Real Madrid has had a difficult season, with performances that have disappointed fans, consistently losing to their eternal rivals, Barcelona, exposing poor sports planning, and ending the regular season without any major titles. This outcome made it clear that the Carlo Ancelotti era had come to an end and that a new coach was needed to turn the situation around. Xabi Alonso has been chosen and will not be the only new addition to Real Madrid for the 2015–2016 season.
More than $100 million to strengthen the defense
The biggest problem throughout the season, both due to a plague of injuries and the poor performance of its players, has been the defense. Real Madrid’s defense has been well below the expected and necessary level for a team like the Whites, who are fighting for all titles and therefore have a very busy schedule with a heavy workload.
The defense has not been up to par, and it is therefore not surprising that Real Madrid’s first moves in the transfer market have been aimed at strengthening the defensive line. The first move has been to sign Spanish center back Dean Huijsen. The young defender arrives at the Santiago Bernabéu after an outstanding season with Bournemouth in England. His good work in defense and his attacking prowess, where he is very good in the air, convinced Real Madrid to invest $58 million.
The second signing to be made official, which had been in the works for months, was Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool. The right back arrives to fill a need that has become very evident this season. The absence of Dani Carvajal, coupled with the poor performance of Lucas Vázquez, who is leaving the club, made his signing a necessity. The player’s contract was due to expire on June 30, but it was important for Real Madrid to have him available for the Club World Cup, so a financial agreement had to be reached with the English club, estimated to be between €5 million and €10 million.
Another signing that is being negotiated for the defense, with the urgency of having him available for the Club World Cup, is that of left back Álvaro Carreras. The former Real Madrid youth player is clear that he wants to play for the team, which is already negotiating the terms of a transfer with Benfica that will be finalized for €50 million.
Going after Nico Paz and Angelo Stiller… and anything else?
With more than 100 million already invested just to strengthen a battered defense, Real Madrid has not finished its work in the transfer market. The next moves to be made in the market are in midfield. The Whites are clear that they want to strengthen the wide areas of the field, and in that sense, their first move is to bring back Nico Paz from Italian side Como. The deal is valued at 8 million euros.
He may not be the only one to arrive, as the option of Angelo Stiller has gained weight. The German player has the approval of Toni Kroos, with whom he shares very similar characteristics that have been sorely missed in the Whites this season. His transfer could be completed for between €40 and €50 million.
In addition, it cannot be ruled out that Real Madrid may go for a number 9, as there has been talk of this in recent months and it cannot be ruled out that some attacking players such as Rodrygo or Endrick may leave. Everything points to the signing of a striker depending on departures and the money received from any sales and the Club World Cup.