After a season without major titles, Real Madrid has begun a revamp of its squad, which has already seen significant changes, ongoing negotiations, and strategic departures. With Xabi Alonso as the new coach and the new Club World Cup just around the corner, the sporting plans for the coming months will be key in defining the new project for Los Blancos.
Real Madrid signings
Real Madrid has begun to make moves, and in defense, it has already closed the signing of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Both signings respond to immediate needs: injuries in defense and the possible departure of Lucas Vázquez, who will leave the club after the tournament.
The next objective is to strengthen the left-back position. The name at the top of the list is Álvaro Carreras, currently at Benfica. The club wants to bring back the youth player, although the agreement will not be easy due to the amount Benfica is asking for and his contractual conditions with his former club, Manchester United. The deal could be around $50 million. If negotiations become complicated, Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen) appears to be a solid alternative, as reported by The Athletic.
There will be changes in midfield, especially after the retirement of Toni Kroos last season and the departure of Luka Modric. Although no names have been confirmed, the club’s management is considering several options to bring youth and creativity to the midfield.
Other moves by Real Madrid
One of the names being mentioned most is the return of Nico Paz, who is currently playing for Italian club Como, as Real Madrid has a buy-back clause of €8 million. He has had a great season in Italy, which has rekindled interest in signing him back. According to Mario Cortegana and Guillermo Rai in The Athletic, the decision to bring him back may be made before the end of the summer.
In addition, the NY Times sports article itself suggests that the club’s management is working on sales and departures. Fran García is one such case, as the possible arrival of another left-back leaves him without a place in the team. Teams such as Bournemouth have already shown interest in him. Ferland Mendy, meanwhile, has a contract until 2027, but his injury record puts him in the spotlight.
Rodrygo is also in a complicated situation. Despite public support from the club and the new coach, his role has diminished following the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, and his absence in recent games has raised doubts. Interest from the Premier League could reactivate his departure, although no decision will be made until the parties meet.
Confirmed departures and Real Madrid’s loan policy
Some departures have already been made official. Jesús Vallejo has left the club after ending his contract and is considering offers. Luka Modric and Lucas Vázquez will say goodbye after the Club World Cup, both with the intention of continuing to compete, although away from the Santiago Bernabéu.
As for loans, Real Madrid is maintaining its policy of selling with an option to buy, rather than loaning out players who do not always get playing time. This is the case with Nico Paz, and it could be repeated with young players such as Víctor Muñoz and Gonzalo García, who have attracted interest from clubs in LaLiga and abroad.
The summer promises to be busy at Chamartín. With Xabi Alonso leading the project, Real Madrid’s restructuring is underway and there are still chapters to be written before the official start of the new season.