Mourinho turns to La Fabrica as Real Madrid’s first‑team thins

Jose Mourinho has turned to the club’s academy as Real Madrid’s senior squad remains thin after international duty, handing 18‑year‑old winger Gabri Valero a pre‑season place alongside 16 La Fabrica youngsters. The move underscores a stark contrast between a depleted first‑team and a fresh influx of youth. Much of the first‑team squad is still absent after international duty, prompting Mourinho to call up 16 La Fabrica players to train with the senior side. The call‑up represents a rare integration of academy talent into the pre‑season routine. Among the call‑ups is 16‑year‑old midfielder Cherif Fofana, who is already making an impression in training. His early involvement highlights the depth of youth available to cover the senior shortage. Castilla standout Cesar Palacios also joins the group, though reports suggest he could leave the club this summer. His presence adds experience from the reserve side to the youthful cohort.

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Gabri Valero, an 18‑year‑old left‑footed right winger, has attracted significant attention, reports AS, for his pace, fearless dribbling and moments of individual brilliance. The academy prodigy has quickly become one of La Fabrica’s brightest prospects. Valero played a decisive role in the Juvenil A side’s 4‑1 victory over Barcelona in the Copa de Campeones final, contributing a goal and an assist. The win completed a treble after the team secured the league title and the UEFA Youth League. Real Madrid legend Marcelo singled out Valero, saying, “There’s a player in the Juvenil A team called Gabri who is top… his dribbling is incredible.” Following the praise, the club rewarded him with a contract extension until 2030. Coaches at Valdebebas describe Valero as grounded with the right mentality to keep developing. Mourinho is giving him the chance to impress during the opening weeks of pre‑season, with expectations of further first‑team training sessions. The next step for the youngster is expected to be with Castilla, yet strong performances could bring him even closer to the senior squad. This contrast between a depleted senior roster and the influx of youth underscores Mourinho’s balancing act and may herald a new chapter for the La Fabrica prospect this summer.