Real Madrid pause midfield chase after four arrivals

The Santiago Bernabéu stands half-empty after another transfer window closed with no midfielder added.

Real Madrid have spent the past six months exploring options to address their midfield frailties, but the club now signals a pause in that pursuit. Four arrivals in the last weeks—Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté and Bernardo Silva—have filled other positions, yet the void left by Toni Kroos remains unaddressed.

The names once floated—Enzo Fernández and Mateus Fernandes—have been ruled out or have moved elsewhere. Tottenham Hotspur confirmed the signing of Mateus Fernandes, while Real Madrid denied any interest in Enzo Fernández.

Vitinha remains the club’s preferred target, but sources describe the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder’s transfer as “almost impossible” at present. Dutch midfielder Kees Smit was once mentioned, but that speculation has faded in recent months.

Sunday’s announcement of Dumfries’ arrival capped a flurry of deals, yet Real Madrid insist the spending spree is over. Reports state there are no more imminent signings, and the club plans to “take a breather.”

Instead of adding more players, Real Madrid will focus on exits. Left-back Fran Garcia and centre-back Raul Asencio are identified as prime candidates to leave the squad.

With Cucurella now in place, Garcia’s future looks uncertain. Ferland Mendy’s extended injury absence further reduces his immediate prospects at the club.

Centre-back Raul Asencio is also under consideration for a move away. The club is reportedly seeking a loan deal for Franco Mastantuono, reinforcing their shift from recruitment to squad restructuring.

Jose Mourinho’s reported request for another midfielder and centre-back appears to have been set aside for now. The club’s transfer focus has shifted toward clearing space rather than adding names.

The coming weeks will determine whether Garcia, Asencio or Mastantuono will depart, or if Real Madrid’s midfield puzzle remains unsolved.