Real Madrid’s €80m summer spend meets ‘exaggerated’ midfield market

Real Madrid have already €80m in transfer fees this summer to sign Marc Cucurella (€60m), Denzel Dumfries (€20m), Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva (both free), but this figure could rise significantly by the time all of their business is done.

New head coach Jose Mourinho has asked for the signing of a world‑class midfielder. A number of candidates have been identified, but clubs are demanding prices Real Madrid are not prepared to meet.

Mourinho’s preferred target Enzo Fernandez is reported to cost Chelsea around €140m. Real Madrid are not prepared to approach that amount, even though Chelsea’s asking price is justified by Manchester City’s imminent €150m deal for Elliot Anderson.

Diario AS describes the situation as an “exaggerated market” that is complicating Real Madrid’s midfield search. At the same time, the inflated market could help the club secure higher fees for players they intend to sell.

French pair Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga are attracting Premier League interest. Their clubs could demand upwards of €100m for each, especially Tchouameni, who is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football.

It remains to be seen what happens with Fernandez, Tchouameni and Camavinga this summer, but at least one of them could move for a significant transfer fee. Such a deal would shape Real Madrid’s spending strategy and potentially boost revenue from outgoing transfers.

Real Madrid also plan to add another centre‑back to the squad. This reinforces their broader recruitment agenda beyond the midfield department.