Incoming Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly played a key role in persuading Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni to join the Spanish club in the summer transfer window. The development comes as Inter president Giuseppe Marotta discusses the future of the Italy international.
Mourinho has an agreement in place to take over at Real Madrid this summer, though an official announcement is currently delayed due to the club’s presidential elections, with Florentino Perez expected to retain his position. Following a trophy-less season, Real Madrid are planning significant investment in the squad, with a central defender identified as a priority, despite Antonio Rudiger’s expected contract extension.
According to Spanish publication El Debate, Bastoni is keen on a move to the Bernabeu, and Mourinho has personally intervened to convince him. The report claims the Portuguese manager has actively sought the 27-year-old, who is reportedly frustrated by Barcelona’s previous interest which ultimately did not materialize into a formal bid. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick reportedly deemed Bastoni unsuitable for his preferred high defensive line.
Inter Milan are reportedly demanding a fee of €75 million (£65m, $87.2m) for Bastoni, though Real Madrid will likely attempt to negotiate a lower price, potentially including a player in the deal. Despite the speculation, Inter president Giuseppe Marotta has publicly stated his desire for Bastoni to remain at the club, emphasizing that the defender has not expressed a wish to leave and that Inter are not typically a selling club. He told DAZN on May 27th that he believes Bastoni will stay, as relayed by Football Italia.
Bastoni has been a key player for Inter, helping them win Serie A this season. A move to Real Madrid would represent a significant step up for the defender, offering him the chance to compete at the highest level in both La Liga and the Champions League. The potential arrival of Bastoni would bolster Real Madrid’s defensive options and provide Mourinho with a key building block for his new project.
