Everything has changed in a matter of days at Real Madrid. From worrying stagnation at all levels, especially in terms of signings, to a revolution that, although unexpected, was sorely needed. Unexpected because the club is making decisions that, on a sporting level, did not seem necessary in the past and which, this last season, have exposed all its weaknesses.
But what’s done is done, and now the more active Florentino is back. With Xabi Alonso already on the bench, the official signings of Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen, and the more than likely arrival of Carreras, there is still summer ahead and a long list of negotiations underway. At all levels.
Confirmed arrivals and departures
To date, there are three confirmed departures from Real Madrid, as well as two official signings who will already be wearing white at the Club World Cup. A World Cup that will not feature Jesús Vallejo, one of the confirmed departures who has not even been called up for the FIFA tournament. The Spanish center back signed for the Whites 10 years ago and has played only 35 games in the white shirt.
The other two departures announced will travel to the United States with the team. They are two legends and team captains, Lucas Vázquez and Luka Modric. The Croatian had an emotional farewell at the Santiago Bernabéu, while the Galician’s departure went more unnoticed, as it was not announced by the club before the last league game.
In terms of signings, even before the arrival of Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid made official the signing of Spanish center back Dean Huijsen. The young player has shone this year at Iraola’s Bournemouth, prompting Florentino to think twice and pay the €58 million release clause. A much smaller amount had to be paid for the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The English player’s contract with Liverpool, the club of his life, was coming to an end, but the Whites had to pay compensation of around €5-10 million to the English club in order to secure the right-back’s services for the World Cup.
Situation with signings on the agenda
One of the signings that is being tried to be closed for the defense and with the urgency of being available for the Club World Cup is that of left back Álvaro Carreras. Negotiations are continuing with Portuguese club Benfica for the Ferrol-born player, who knows the club well as he came to Madrid’s youth academy from Deportivo. The player is convinced he will join, but negotiations with his current club are still ongoing regarding the transfer fee. The clause is around €50 million.
Another move Real Madrid is working on involves the midfield. With Xabi Alonso’s approval, the club is considering bringing back Nico Paz. The player has shone in his year with Cesc Fábregas’ Como, and the Whites have retained a buy-back option for €8 million. The option seemed straightforward at first, but the player wants to be very clear about his role before leaving. If he is not going to play a leading role, he prefers to continue in Italy.
For the midfield, the option of signing Angelo Stiller is also being considered. The player is clear that he wants to play for Real Madrid and has already conveyed this to the club. The club now has to negotiate with Stuttgart for a player with a very similar profile to Toni Kroos. A transfer could be finalized for between €40 million and €50 million.
The player who currently seems furthest away from the Whites is Franco Mastantuono. Mastantuono turns 18 on August 14, at which point he could join Real Madrid for a fee of around €60 million. Florentino is not willing to put that amount on the table, but PSG seems willing to pay it.