Real Madrid have been one of the most active clubs in the summer transfer window across Europe.
Los Blancos have undoubtedly had one of their highest-spending summers in recent times, also backing it up with smart academy sales.
Despite adding as many as six first-team stars to the existing squad, Jose Mourinho still seems keen on more.
According to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Real Madrid continue to monitor the market for both a new centre-back and a midfielder, with Mourinho keen to strengthen both positions before the window closes.
Mourinho wants two more additions
The Portuguese coach has spent pre-season assessing a heavily reshaped squad, but there are still areas where he would welcome additional options.
Central defence is one of them.
Still seeking two more additions. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Real Madrid have Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konate and Eder Militao among their options, although injuries and fitness issues have prevented Mourinho from working with his full defensive group throughout pre-season.
Midfield is another position being watched closely.
Mourinho has experimented with several combinations in his preferred double pivot, using players such as Fede Valverde, Bernardo Silva and Eduardo Camavinga. Aurelien Tchouameni is also expected to return after recovering from his muscular problem.
Even with those options, another midfielder remains on Mourinho’s wishlist, with Sergio Martinez mentioned as an option.
Departures required before Real Madrid can move
However, Real Madrid’s position is clear: players must leave before additional signings can arrive.
Exits needed before incomings. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Even though Mourinho wants more signings, he is already working with an overcrowded first-team squad and will have to streamline it.
Should players who are not in the Portuguese tactician’s first-choice plans leave, that gives him the opportunity to reinforce the team.
This means that Real Madrid could still be active in these final weeks of the window, both in terms of outgoings and incomings.
How many signings are too many signings?
This is a question Real Madrid need to ask themselves. The club have made as many as six signings, which means six new players in the squad, and adding more could be overkill.
As much as new signings can revitalise the group, too many new faces could also spoil the existing harmony in the dressing room and require a period of adaptation.
Real Madrid need to be careful not to change too much in one window, and it remains to be seen how they achieve this balance in these final few weeks.