According to Footmercato, Mourinho publicly demanded that Real Madrid strengthen their midfield after the match and hoped to sign a new versatile player.
Previously, Spanish reports stated that Real Madrid might not continue making signings after missing out on Rodri, and their summer transfer window could end there. However, Mourinho's public statement could change the situation.
Jose Felix Diaz, editor-in-chief of AS, revealed that Real Madrid's management is still evaluating several midfield candidates, and Belgian youngster Ayoub Bouaddi is also on the list. However, as the newspaper previously disclosed, the Moroccan international's future is likely with Manchester City. Manchester City is far ahead in this deal and is expected to finalize it soon.
In contrast, the path looks clearer for two other players: Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit. The former has already proven himself at the highest level, but a potential transfer fee could be as high as 100 million euros; the Dutch rising star was close to joining Real Madrid last summer, and his valuation is around half of that. This issue will probably ultimately be decided by Mourinho.
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