Jose Mourinho tells Florentino Perez his top Real Madrid transfer priority is not a midfielder

Jose Mourinho has already begun visualising his Real Madrid plans, and the Portuguese manager appears to have made one message clear to the club’s hierarchy. 

While midfield reinforcements remain on the agenda, Real Madrid’s transfer plans are now centred around strengthening the heart of the defence first.

According to Defensa Central, Mourinho has informed club president Florentino Perez that signing a central defender should take priority over bringing in a new midfielder. 

On that note, the Real Madrid transfer news suggests the manager believes addressing the team’s defensive shortcomings is the most urgent task before the new season gets underway.

Mourinho defines his Real Madrid priority

Although Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid transfer plans include additions in both midfield and defence, the experienced coach considers a centre-back to be the club’s biggest need.

Mourinho wants to sign a new centre-back. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

The decision follows a campaign in which defensive inconsistency repeatedly cost Los Blancos. 

Mourinho believes that building a title-winning side starts with a solid back line, making Real Madrid’s search for a centre-back his immediate priority.

Injuries have played a major role in that assessment, as both Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger have struggled with recurring fitness problems in recent seasons, leaving Real Madrid short of reliable options during key moments of the campaign.

As a result, Mourinho wants greater competition and depth in central defence to avoid a repeat of those issues and ensure the squad can cope with a demanding schedule.

Florentino Perez ready to support Mourinho’s rebuild

It is noted that Real Madrid’s hierarchy is prepared to back their new manager as they look to avoid another disappointing campaign.

Bastoni is Real Madrid’s top target. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

After two seasons that fell below expectations, the club believes Mourinho should receive the resources needed to build a squad capable of competing for every major trophy.

As a result, Florentino Perez is expected to support Mourinho’s requests, although further arrivals may depend on outgoing transfers first.

For now, among the names linked with Real Madrid’s centre-back targets are Alessandro Bastoni and Tomas Araujo. 

However, there has been little progress on either pursuit, with the club first needing to reduce the size of the current squad before making another major signing.