The pursuit of Fernandez is part of a wider strategic shift in Madrid under the leadership of Mourinho. Unlike his predecessors, the veteran manager has been granted a level of control over recruitment that is rarely seen at the club. He is reportedly the primary architect of the current policy, moving away from signing youth prospects in favour of experienced, battle-hardened stars.
This new approach was typified by a high-level summit held at Madrid’s Hotel Santo Mauro, where the manager met with club officials and agent Jorge Mendes. Mourinho is firmly building a team to win now, having already secured deals for Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, and Bernardo Silva as he looks to bring immediate success back to the Bernabeu.