Real Madrid has already made four signings ahead of next season, but many believe that more are still to come. The reinforcements are focused on significantly improving the defense, with the arrivals of Trent Alexander-Arnold and, more recently, Álvaro Carreras, as well as in the center back position with Dean Huijsen, who has emerged as Madrid’s revelation in the Club World Cup, with permission from youth player Gonzalo. However, in the plan drawn up by Florentino Pérez and already known to Xabi Alonso, there is one piece that does not quite fit and that has to do with the role of Arda Guler in the lineup.
The midfield, bearing in mind that Franco Mastantuono is arriving as a striker or attacking midfielder, has not yet received any new additions for the 2025-26 season, and that is saying something, considering that if Real Madrid has lacked anything in the last twelve months, it has been a playmaker in the role that Toni Kroos had performed so masterfully in previous years.
Kylian Mbappé arrived, but no one replaced Kroos, and this could happen again after the signing of Xabi Alonso. Real Madrid has great players to fill positions in midfield, from proven players such as Fede Valverde to stars such as Jude Bellingham, as well as physically gifted players such as Tchouaméni and Camavinga.
However, especially after the departure of Luka Modric, there is a need for a playmaker, with Dani Ceballos and a converted Guler as possible candidates for this key role in any big team.
No signings in midfield
Real Madrid’s plans may not include the arrival of a midfielder this summer, according to various media outlets with inside information from the club. They also highlight the assessment of the Madrid hierarchy, who believe that Arda Guler has enough potential to complement Valverde, Bellingham, and Tchouaméni, who need to step up in terms of their game management.
Also entering the equation is Eduardo Camavinga, who is expected to take a step forward after several seasons as a promising youngster without establishing himself as a regular. Ceballos, the fifth player in contention, may also see some playing time in a secondary role, not forgetting that he was a key player in the stretch of last season when Real Madrid played their best football.
Guler, promise or reality
The role of Arda Guler was one of the most frustrating for Madrid fans during Carlo Ancelotti‘s time as coach. Talented like few others, the Turkish international did not get the minutes he needed to establish himself and, to tell the truth, it was only in the last part of the season that he lived up to the expectations placed on him in terms of performance. With the arrival of Xabi, the club has opted to move him back, with good results in the Club World Cup but doubts remaining after the PSG game, in a truly demanding scenario in which he went completely unnoticed.
At just 20 years of age and having played as an attacking midfielder or winger, shifting the focus of the team’s play to Guler could prove to be a mistake for Real Madrid, or at least a very risky gamble that could only pay off if Florentino decides to make a major investment in midfield. Vitinha, Rodri, and Enzo seem untouchable, while other players who are somewhat more likely to break the mold, such as Barella or Mac Allister, would cost close to €90 million in transfer fees. Madrid has the final decision.