Revealed: Jose Mourinho’s unsuccessful summer target as Manchester City beat Real Madrid to a blockbuster move

Real Madrid may have had a productive summer transfer window, but the sense of what might have been still hangs over the Santiago Bernabeu. Although Los Blancos have begun the season strongly, reports have disclosed that Jose Mourinho’s first-choice option to strengthen the midfield was Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, who instead joined Manchester City.

The Special One’s failed midfield chase

In spite of a positive start to the new campaign, Real Madrid’s tactical shape could have looked very different had Mourinho managed to land his preferred targets. The Portuguese manager is said to have clearly identified the need for reinforcements in central midfield, but the club could not secure the exact profiles he wanted.

According to The Athletic, Fernandez was Mourinho’s preferred Real Madrid target during a summer marked by major negotiations and missed chances. The Argentina international was regarded as the perfect figure to lead Mourinho’s midfield transition, bringing together defensive intensity and creative vision in a way that suits the former Chelsea and Inter boss.

Man City win the race for Fernandez

While Real Madrid delayed, Manchester City moved decisively to sign one of the most sought-after players in world football. The Premier League champions completed a deal worth almost €150 million to take the midfielder from Stamford Bridge, effectively ending Mourinho’s hopes of bringing him to the Spanish capital.

The move also carried major historical significance, as the Argentina international became the first player in football history to have two transfers in his career worth more than €100m. For Real Madrid, watching their main target join a direct Champions League rival is a difficult blow, especially given the technical qualities he would have added to Mourinho’s tactical system.

Club denials and the Rodri factor

In an intriguing turn in the story, Real Madrid were quick to distance themselves from the reports so strongly linking them with the 2022 World Cup winner. The hierarchy at the Bernabeu even issued a public press release saying they had no interest in the player, a step likely taken to protect the morale of the current squad and to play down the frustration within the coaching staff.

Mourinho’s frustration was increased further by the club’s failure to land other high-profile Spanish targets. Real Madrid were also strongly linked with a move for Rodri, another commanding midfielder who fits the profile of a Mourinho player. However, the Spain international eventually chose to return to his homeland with Barcelona, further reducing the options available to Madrid’s coaching staff.

Current stability as Bellingham steps up

Fortunately for the Madrid supporters, the present squad has responded well in the opening weeks of the season. The absence of a new marquee midfielder has given Jude Bellingham even greater responsibility, and the England star has shown impressive initiative in both attacking and defensive phases.

Bellingham has developed a strong understanding with Eduardo Camavinga, bringing much-needed solidity to the middle of the park and helping ensure that Los Blancos remain competitive at the highest level despite the lack of summer arrivals in that area.