Jose Mourinho has barely had time to unpack his bags at Real Madrid, but the club has already spent big to reshape his squad.
Since hiring the Portuguese coach in early June, Los Blancos have signed left-back Marc Cucurella, midfielder Bernardo Silva, and centre-back Ibrahima Konate. These moves come after two straight seasons without a major trophy — an eternity for a club that has won 15 European Cups.
Cucurella arrived from Chelsea for around €55 million ($63 million), joining on the day Spain played their first World Cup game. The 27-year-old isn't a flashy name, but he brings exactly what Mourinho demands: grit, energy, and competitiveness.
Real Madrid's left side of defence has been a headache. Ferland Mendy is often injured, while Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia haven't convinced. Cucurella, a former Barcelona youth player, presses well, thrives in transition, and will make Madrid harder to beat.
"We spoke and he told me he was looking forward to working with me, that I would adapt well and that Real Madrid is a great club," Cucurella told El Mundo.
Bernardo Silva arrives on a free transfer from Manchester City, where he spent nearly a decade under Pep Guardiola. The Portugal international turns 32 in August, but his footballing intelligence and versatility are exactly what Madrid's midfield has lacked since Toni Kroos and Luka Modric left.
Silva can play on the wing or in midfield, in attacking or deeper roles. Madrid expect him to help build play alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, bringing the composure and control that have been missing. He also adds leadership and experience to a squad that lacked both last season.
Konate also joined on a free transfer from Liverpool, reinforcing a defence that has been stretched thin. Eder Militao and David Alaba have struggled with injuries, forcing Tchouameni to drop back into defence repeatedly. Captain Dani Carvajal and David Alaba are leaving this summer at the end of their contracts.
The 27-year-old France international had a difficult season at Liverpool, impacted by the tragic death of striker Diogo Jota and his father's passing in January. If Mourinho can get him back to his best, Madrid will have a defender capable of handling Europe's top strikers.
Konate will compete with Antonio Rudiger, Militao, Dean Huijsen, and Raul Asencio for minutes at centre-back.
The club is reportedly close to signing Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and Bayern Munich's Michael Olise have also been linked.
Madrid put in a €150 million ($172 million) offer for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. But sources say the bid was more about fulfilling Florentino Perez's election campaign pledge and disrupting Barcelona's plans than a serious attempt to sign the forward.
Most of Madrid's squad is away at the World Cup, so Mourinho will have to wait before working with stars like Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. But with several deals already sealed, more signings could follow once the coach starts training with his full squad.