Jose Mourinho receives green light to complete €100m Real Madrid double deal

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Antonio Rudiger has admitted that he would be “happy” if Real Madrid sign his Germany team-mates Nico Schlotterbeck and Felix Nmecha before the end of the 2026 summer transfer window.

Rudiger, 33, was widely tipped to depart the Bernabeu on a free transfer this summer, but he signed a one-year contract extension in June, meaning he will remain at the club until at least 2027.

Having re-appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager ahead of the 2026-27 season, Real Madrid have already been extremely active in the market so far this summer, confirming the arrivals of Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate.

Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries will follow suit shortly, with an agreement reached for the Netherlands star, while Los Blancos have also been heavily linked with Schlotterbeck and Nmecha in recent weeks.

When asked about Real Madrid’s reported interest in the duo, Rudiger told Sky Germany: “Good players are always welcome. But I don’t want to say much more about it. I’d be happy.”

On Schlotterbeck, the 33-year-old added: “Nico has always been a threat, especially from set pieces. He’s aggressive, he’s always there in duels and his build-up play is outstanding. His left foot is gold.”

Schlotterbeck and Nmecha have a combined Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €99.3 million, and they both scored during Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao in their opening fixture of this summer’s World Cup on Sunday.

Nmecha put Julian Nagelsmann’s side 1-0 up in the sixth minute with an excellent right-footed strike from just inside the penalty area, before Schlotterbeck restored their lead with a superb glancing header in the 38th minute after Livano Comenencia had drawn Curacao level.

Should Real Madrid sign Schlotterbeck and Nmecha?

Real Madrid have already bolstered their backline with the signings of Cucurella and Konate this summer and with Dumfries joining too, Los Blancos have prioritised improving the defensive options at Mourinho’s disposal.

With Eder Militao’s fitness a real concern, Rudiger’s recent form an issue and Dean Huijsen struggling since his arrival from Bournemouth, adding Schlotterbeck to their centre-back roster would be a smart idea, but only if it doesn’t impact Los Blancos’ ability to sign a new central midfielder.

Improving the options in the middle of the park is a priority for Real Madrid and their pursuit of Nmecha therefore makes perfect sense, especially considering Chelsea want close to €140m for Enzo Fernandez.

The Germany star impressed for Borussia Dortmund last season and with Manchester United reportedly ready to rival Real Madrid for his signature, the Spanish giants may be forced to act quickly if they want to secure a deal.

However, signing either Schlotterbeck or Nmecha may simply come down to the cost of the transfers. Real Madrid have spent big so far this summer, especially on wages, and they may therefore be unable to bring both players to the club.