Mourinho has been quietly shaping his Real Madrid squad through the World Cup period, and while his headline priorities remain signing a central defender and a creative midfielder, the returning head coach has also identified a secondary need: a pure centre-forward capable of changing games from the bench.
The profile he has in mind is specific. Mourinho wants a target man in the mould of Joselu, who fulfilled a peripheral but highly effective role in the 2023-24 season — appearing rarely from the start yet contributing eighteen goals and three assists, culminating in a match-winning double in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich that sent Madrid to their fifteenth European Cup triumph.
That role has no current occupant in the squad. Endrick, who spent last season on loan at Lyon and will now return to Madrid, offers some of those qualities but can also play wide on the right, and Mourinho intends to use him. He has confirmed to club officials that Endrick is part of his plans. The possible arrival of a dedicated number nine is not a discussion about replacing him.
The player most affected by a potential signing would be academy striker Gonzalo Garcia. Mourinho has held back from facilitating any exit for the youngster — who has attracted interest from Real Betis — until he has assessed him during the opening phase of pre-season.
The coach regards this as a matter of fairness and practicality: if the summer market does not deliver the striker he wants, Gonzalo's versatility across the front line, good movement in behind and aerial ability make him a useable option.
This remains a secondary priority. Mourinho has been clear with club leadership that resolving central defence and midfield must come first.
Ruben Dias (Manchester City) and Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan) are among the centre-back candidates, while Mateus Fernandes (West Ham) and Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) are being evaluated for the creative midfield role — the most urgent vacancy in his project. That signing may require a significant sale from the existing midfield, something the club is actively exploring.