Real Madrid passed on Mateus Fernandes despite Jorge Mendes reaching full agreement

Real Madrid opted against completing a move for midfielder Mateus Fernandes, despite agent Jorge Mendes reaching a full agreement with all parties involved. Reports suggest the 22-year-old was a priority target for Jose Mourinho, who believed the player's physical profile would provide a necessary boost to the club's midfield rebuild.

Although negotiations were well-advanced, the club's management ultimately decided to pull out of the deal. The financial package required to secure the midfielder was deemed excessive by Madrid officials, leading the player to eventually join Tottenham in an £85 million move.

The collapse of the transfer has highlighted a tactical disagreement within the club. While Mourinho pushed for a more athletic, box-to-box presence alongside his current rotation, the sporting department preferred to allocate funds elsewhere, focusing efforts on signing Bernardo Silva.

As it stands, Real Madrid are not expected to pursue further reinforcements unless there are departures from the squad. Nevertheless, the club remains linked with interest in other high-profile midfielders, including Rodri and Enzo Fernandez.