Real Madrid are sharpening their knives for another historic summer. With the 2024/25 season nearing its climax, the club is already plotting an ambitious squad overhaul that could redefine their future. Whether or not they lift silverware, Florentino PΓ©rez and his team are preparing to act.
While the headlines are being dominated by one major free transfer β Liverpoolβs Trent Alexander-Arnold β insiders believe that this is just the beginning. The English full-back is all but set to join Los Blancos after running down his contract at Anfield. His arrival is expected to inject both quality and youth into a defense in transition.
At 33, Dani Carvajalβs Real Madrid future hangs by a thread. Despite years of loyal service, three serious ACL injuries have cast a long shadow over his durability. Lucas VΓ‘zquez, also 33, is in a similar boat. Although heβs pushing for an extension, Madridistas know the time has come to rebuild their flanks.
Alexander-Arnoldβs acquisition is seen as the first domino in a summer that could shake the market. According to a bombshell poll conducted by AS, a whopping 28% of fans identified right-back as the clubβs most urgent area to address. That void is being filled β but what comes next?
Enter the β¬80 million men.
Real Madrid are preparing to drop bombs for a new left-back and a midfield star, both of whom are considered elite-level, European-proven talents. Though the club had once set sights on Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich now seem poised to hold on to the Canadian flyer. That hasnβt deterred Real Madrid from keeping an eye on the left-back market.
Ferland Mendy, who recently extended his contract until 2027, has performed admirably. Fran GarcΓa is also a reliable option. Still, insiders suggest that Real Madrid arenβt fully convinced either player represents the long-term elite profile required β especially with the club aiming to dominate domestically and in Europe.
One of the names doing the rounds is Gironaβs rising star Miguel GutiΓ©rrez β a former Madrid youth product whoβs shone under Michel. With a buy-back clause embedded in his contract, a return could be financially savvy and symbolically powerful.
But perhaps the biggest shake-up could come in midfield.
Toni Kroos, having retired last summer, has left a gaping creative and tactical hole in Madridβs spine. Luka ModriΔ, though timeless, is no longer a guaranteed starter. That has prompted the club to eye a new midfield general β one capable of dictating tempo, shielding the backline, and initiating attacking sequences.
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad has emerged as the standout candidate. The Spaniard, praised for his elegance in possession and tactical discipline, could become the long-awaited heir to the Kroos-Casemiro axis. His β¬60ββ¬70 million price tag is steep β but Madrid know this isnβt the time to cut corners.
The midfield rebuild is also driven by pragmatism. With Jude Bellingham thriving in more advanced roles and Eduardo Camavinga still maturing, Madrid need a stabilizer β a brain in midfield. Zubimendi fits the mold, though they will face stiff competition from Premier League giants circling him.
Meanwhile, center-back has dropped in urgency thanks to the resurgence of Γder MilitΓ£o and the consistency of Antonio RΓΌdiger. Marvelβs rise through the academy has also given the coaching staff hope that internal solutions may suffice, unless an irresistible market opportunity presents itself.
When it comes to attacking reinforcements, the fans seem content β for now. Less than 3% of respondents in the AS poll believe a striker should be the top priority, especially with Endrickβs arrival imminent and Joselu providing solid backup to VinΓcius and Rodrygo.
Goalkeeping? Madridistas have made their stance clear. Just 1% of votes suggested concerns about the position, with Lunin gaining confidence and Courtois expected to return to full fitness. Even Kepaβs presence as a backup provides experience and depth.
All eyes now turn to Florentino PΓ©rez. Will he sanction another GalΓ‘ctico-style summer? Or will Real Madrid opt for targeted precision β picking out weak links and reinforcing with discipline rather than extravagance?
The answer may lie in how the Champions League and La Liga end. A double could lead to refinement. A trophyless season? Revolution.
Whatever happens, Madridβs summer strategy will be one to watch. The club is armed, loaded, and ready to drop β¬160 million β or more β on two game-changing reinforcements. The bombs are coming. The question is: who will feel the blast?
