Real Madrid is undergoing a summer of changes and restructuring, which means investing in new signings. The arrival of Xabi Alonso, who has very clear ideas, as well as the poor season under Carlo Ancelotti, meant that there were problems to be solved, and the team has moved quickly to do so with a series of big-money signings. This significant investment is necessary and may not be over yet.
Huijsen, Trent, and Mastantuono
Real Madrid has been very clear about its priorities, which include defense, where it has already signed center back Dean Huijsen and right back Trent Alexander-Arnold. In addition, the opportunity arose to secure one of the great promises of Argentine soccer, and the club signed midfielder Franco Mastantuono.
The first to be officially announced was the Spanish center back, who signed before the end of the season for five seasons, until 2030. His great defensive solidity and attacking potential convinced the club to pay €58 million. Trent Alexander-Arnold arrived on a free transfer after his contract with Liverpool expired and he decided not to renew.
However, Liverpool received financial compensation of around €10 million so that the full-back could play in the World Cup.
In the case of the young Argentine player, the deal with River Plate was closed at around €63.2 million, including the €45 million release clause and other tax expenses. The player was being followed by Real Madrid, but everything was speeded up with PSG’s entry into the race.
More signings expected
After the Club World Cup, Real Madrid will continue its work to strengthen the team. The first step will be to finalize the arrival of Álvaro Carreras, who was left out of the summer tournament. No agreement was reached with Benfica, which stood firm in demanding the €50 million clause, an amount that the Whites were unable to meet. The signing has been postponed, but it remains a priority for the Whites.
The arrival of the Galician full-back may not be the only one this summer. “In addition to the three defenders, Real Madrid is considering signing a midfielder, who will not arrive before the Club World Cup, and also a striker. There are several names being considered, but the most urgent need right now is in defense, where Madrid has the most gaps. Madrid wants to win the Club World Cup and that’s why it’s going with a full squad and a reinforced defense, because that’s where it has the most injuries. But Madrid also wants a midfielder and a striker,” said Josep Pedrerol.
In addition, another midfielder could arrive, as journalist Mario Cortegana points out on YouTube. “There is a very significant phrase that I was told at Valdebebas when I asked about the transfer market and when I focused specifically on the issue of the midfielder. I was told that Xabi Alonso wants more signings.” Shortly after, he clarified and assured that “I already told you a month ago that Real Madrid was very much back in the market, at the level we were used to a few years ago. The club is not finished, we have to be very attentive because it is going to be a pretty busy summer.”
A midfielder and a striker could be the next steps in Real Madrid’s transfer market. Everything will depend, to a large extent, on how the Club World Cup goes and the performance of the current squad, as well as any possible departures that may be finalized in the coming weeks and that will shape the market for the Whites.