A man in a suit in the foreground inside a soccer stadium with two players in circles and a blurred figure with a question mark.
FIRST TEAM

After Arda and Mastantuono, Calafat wants to complete the treble: another 18-year-old signing

The head of the Merengues' scouts adds another promising name to the list of potential signings

One of the  positions that would draw attention in the Valdebebas offices for next season's planning is the midfield. While it's true that there seem to be plenty of players, the executives led by Florentino Pérez want to speed up the generational change in every way.

That means staying alert to the development of young prospects in the transfer market, a task that always yields positive results. One of the most recent has caught Juni Calafat's attention and could be the next signing for the white squad, aiming to strengthen its midfield.

Two Real Madrid players celebrate a goal with smiles on the field during a match.
Arda Güler and Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrate a goal during the Club World Cup | Real Madrid Confidencial

Rodrigo Mora's name isn't unknown in the Valdebebas offices, although it's true that until now he hadn't gained much notoriety. The development experienced by the young Porto attacking midfielder during the 24/25 soccer season has made him one of the stars of the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Those credentials would be enough to consider signing him in the upcoming summer transfer windows. The composition of a new midfield, now that Xabi Alonso is starting to show his willingness toward a more fluid system, could well include Rodrigo Mora's services. The footballer offers a versatility that would allow him to fit directly into the first team.

Another very promising signing

However, Juni Calafat would want to bring the Porto footballer together with two other midfielders from the white squad:  Franco Mastantuono and Arda Güler. The Argentine attacking midfielder still needs to show what his ideal position is within Xabi Alonso's tactical systems, but everything suggests that he will be a regular on the right wing.

Meanwhile, Arda Güler keeps adding minutes and experience as one of the midfielders responsible for creating play at Real Madrid. The profiles of those three young talents would be complementary according to the analysis of the head of merengue scouting, but the procedures for their signing haven't started yet.

Porto player celebrating with arms outstretched while an opposing player in an orange uniform appears in the background
Rodrigo Mora during a recent match with FC Porto | Real Madrid Confidencial

Despite the  good results delivered by Rodrigo Mora in his matches last season, the merengue leadership want to wait until the end of the Club World Cup. When that competition organized by FIFA ends, Xabi Alonso may review his signing suggestions and decide that the addition of another creative midfielder isn't necessary.

If that's the case, Rodrigo Mora could remain under Madrid's watch, continuing at Porto until the white club finds a spot for him in Santiago Bernabéu locker room. There's also the option of acquiring his registration and loaning him to another team in search of those minutes the Portuguese talent so badly needs.

This footballer fits perfectly with the signing policy that's been carried out at Valdebebas for several seasons now. As of today, there isn't any formal offer for him, but Juni Calafat is already preparing reports on the matter. He could be one of the surprises of the summer, as the market is open until August 31.

➡️ First Team

More posts: