Real Madrid’s summer is not about quiet repairs; it is about three bold signings that could reignite Los Blancos’ glory under Mourinho’s return.

After a disappointing season that saw Los Blancos fail to secure a major title for the second season in a row, Real Madrid are embarking on a bold new chapter. The club have appointed Jose Mourinho as their new head coach, marking his sensational return to the Spanish capital after his previous stint between 2010 and 2013.

Florentino Perez recognised that the club needed a fresh direction, and bringing back the Portuguese mastermind was central to that vision. The president is now doing everything in his power to ensure Mourinho has all the resources necessary to succeed.

The team in white have already made impressive strides in the transfer market. Ibrahima Konate arrived on a free transfer to fill the centre-back void left by David Alaba, while Bernardo Silva joined as a versatile attacking midfielder capable of operating anywhere across the middle third. Marc Cucurella has been signed to bolster the left-back position, and Denzel Dumfries will provide cover and quality at right-back.

These additions significantly strengthen the squad, yet Mourinho and Perez know that more quality is required to mount a serious challenge for La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

With deals for Julian Alvarez and Michael Olise becoming increasingly unlikely, Real Madrid remain in the market for impactful signings. Here are three players the club should prioritise before the summer transfer window closes.

Enzo Fernandez

Real Madrid’s most pressing need lies in the centre of the park. The club require a midfielder who can control the tempo of games, dictate possession, and provide the intellectual backbone that Mourinho demands from his teams. Enzo Fernandez represents the ideal fit for this role.

The Argentina World Cup winner has openly expressed his desire to play for Real Madrid. In recent interviews, Fernandez has spoken about his interest in living in the Spanish capital, signalling his ambition to join the club.

Meanwhile, his relationship with Chelsea has deteriorated significantly over the past few months. The Blues’ midfield mainstay has found himself on the periphery at Stamford Bridge, and the atmosphere surrounding his situation has grown increasingly tense.

With Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos likely to depart this summer, Fernandez would represent a massive upgrade for Los Blancos. His ability to read the game, distribute with precision, and maintain composure under pressure aligns perfectly with Mourinho’s tactical philosophy. The 24-year-old possesses the technical quality and mental strength to succeed at the highest level.

Alessandro Bastoni

Despite securing Konate on a free transfer, Mourinho seeks another centre-back, preferably one who is left-footed. This detail is crucial for Mourinho’s tactical system, which demands defenders capable of playing incisive passes from deep and maintaining balance in the back line.

Real Madrid have cast their eyes over several options. Ruben Dias remains on their wishlist, yet Manchester City are unwilling to let their star defender leave. Nico Schlotterbeck was another target, but the German picked up a significant injury at the World Cup, casting doubt on his availability.

With these obstacles in place, a move for Alessandro Bastoni looks the most realistic and sensible option. The Inter Milan star has already caught Mourinho’s attention. The 27-year-old stands at 6ft 3in and possesses the style of play that Mourinho seeks: excellent ball-playing ability, strong positional sense, and the composure to succeed under intense pressure.

The Nerazzurri are holding firm at a €70 million asking price, the same amount they demanded when Barcelona expressed interest weeks earlier. Real Madrid will not enter formal negotiations until Mourinho completes his internal squad assessment and gives explicit approval.

Bastoni’s experience at Inter, both domestically and in European competition, brings the temperament Madrid requires for tight Champions League ties. His passing range, ability to progress the ball, and capacity to defend one-on-one situations make him an inspired fit for Barcelona‘s style as well, meaning Real Madrid will face stiff competition.

Yet the sporting project of chasing European glory under Mourinho could persuade him that the Bernabeu is the right stage for his next career step.

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah has not been linked with a move to Real Madrid, yet the Egyptian could prove to be a brilliant short-term solution for a season or two. With Michael Olise unlikely to join and Franco Mastantuono expected to be loaned out, Mourinho needs more quality on the flanks. Brahim Diaz’s future also remains uncertain, adding to the urgency.

Salah is leaving Liverpool on a free transfer this summer following nine trophy-laden years at Anfield. Mourinho has worked with Salah in the past, knowing firsthand the elite quality the winger brings. An experienced player of his calibre, available on a free transfer, could prove to be a remarkable signing.

This deal would allow Real Madrid to loan out Mastantuono, helping the young Argentine continue his development elsewhere. Meanwhile, it will allow them to not rush Rodrygo back in the mix following his return from injury by the end of the year, and Los Blancos could then prepare to pursue Olise next summer.

At 34 years old, Salah is not typically someone Madrid targets. However, this could be one of those exceptions where top targets are unavailable, and a pragmatic solution becomes necessary. Salah’s pace, predatory instinct in the box, and ability to stretch defences would provide immediate value.

His hunger and directness would suit Mourinho’s vertical, high-tempo attacking play, particularly in European nights when games open up, and swift transitions are decisive.

Why these three signings make coherent sense

Taken individually, Enzo Fernandez, Alessandro Bastoni, and Mohamed Salah each address specific needs in Real Madrid’s squad. Together, they create a coherent upgrade plan that balances immediate impact with long-term stability.

Fernandez provides the midfield control and intellectual backbone Mourinho demands. Bastoni brings leadership, ball progression, and defensive solidity at the back. Salah offers immediate attacking depth and elite quality on the flanks without the astronomical fee of a marquee signing.