Frank Christian
Coming off a trophy-less season, Real Madrid has several gaps to address throughout their roster.
With Xabi Alonso taking over managerial duties from Carlo Ancelotti, the club is poised for a fresh strategy moving forward.
It will be fascinating to observe Xabi Alonso’s tactics during his inaugural transfer window, given the significant differences between his approach and the current squad’s dynamics.
The Sporting News examines the critical needs within Real Madrid’s lineup and contemplates possible transfer targets, recognizing the uncertainties surrounding how Alonso will shape his team at this point.
Key Transfer Area for Real Madrid: Striker/Right Wing
The primary choice Xabi Alonso faces is whether to implement his 3-4-2-1 formation from Bayer Leverkusen or transition to a setup that better aligns with his players. Maintaining his previous system would require substantial adjustments, but both choices will need modifications.
If Xabi Alonso opts to stick with his familiar tactics, he’ll need to recruit several key players, starting with a genuine No. 9. While Kylian Mbappe could fulfill this role, a player resembling Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface would be an excellent fit, with either Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., or Jude Bellingham positioned behind as dual No. 10s. Though not ideal, this would represent an improvement. Other suitable targets could include Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, or Alexander Isak from Newcastle.
If Xabi Alonso prefers to adjust his tactics to match the players available, likely employing a formation similar to Carlo Ancelotti’s 4-2-3-1, he might keep Kylian Mbappe as the striker and Vinicius Jr. on the left wing. This would necessitate finding a new right winger, especially with Rodrygo’s uncertain future. Arda Guler has yet to prove reliable, and Brahim Diaz and other potential options do not represent long-term solutions.
Potential candidates who could complement Vinicius and Mbappe as off-the-ball supporters include Dejan Kulusevski, who has shone alongside Heung-Min Son at Tottenham, and Nico Williams from Athletic Club, both strong possibilities. For a major impact, Amad Diallo from Manchester United could adapt to both tactical formations, capable of playing as a dual No. 10 or a wide forward.
Key Transfer Area for Real Madrid: Center-Back
The most frequently reported need at Real Madrid is the center-back position, with numerous sources indicating Xabi Alonso is searching for a new defender.
This focus is logical, as the team endured a severe injury crisis within this position last season and will likely need replacements for those who struggle with fitness. This includes players like David Alaba, who has had difficulty recovering from a serious knee injury at age 32, and Eder Militao, who has suffered multiple ACL tears.
Two names have been publicly linked, including Cristian Romero of Tottenham and the soon-to-be free agent Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen.
Real Madrid has also been connected to young Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who recently made his international debut with Spain. Additionally, don’t be surprised if Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie and AC Milan’s rising star Strahinja Pavlovic also appear on this list.
Key Transfer Area for Real Madrid: Central Midfielder
Aurelien Tchouameni has limitations in his gameplay and has been shifted around the field to address the center-back injury situation. Eduardo Camavinga faces disciplinary and fitness concerns, while Luka Modric no longer seems fit for a full game, even if he still possesses exceptional skills. Dani Ceballos does not represent a reliable long-term midfield option, and while Jude Bellingham is a world-class player, he and the club have a clear preference for his more offensive role.
Consequently, another true No. 8 is essential. With Martin Zubimendi joining Arsenal and highly regarded midfielder Leo Westin still only 16 years old, the search for alternatives continues.
Ederson at Atalanta is a promising passer at 25 years old with two years remaining on his contract. Meanwhile, Manu Kone is an emerging talent at Roma but carries some risk. Additionally, Exequiel Palacios has remained under the radar with Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, and at 26 years old, he’s nearing his prime.
Bonus — Key Transfer Area for Real Madrid: Full-Back
Regardless of the tactical approach Xabi Alonso opts to take, addressing the ongoing issues at full-back is imperative. This position caused significant frustration for Carlo Ancelotti, who struggled to replace an injured Dani Carvajal while Ferland Mendy also missed substantial playing time.
There’s no certainty that 33-year-old Carvajal can regain his top form after his knee injury, and Mendy has proven to be both inconsistent and injury-prone on the left.
They have already secured Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, which has frustrated many Reds supporters, but the left-back position also requires attention.
A player like Diogo Dalot would be a valuable addition for Real Madrid, although Manchester United would likely resist selling him, considering he’s primarily a right-back. Additionally, Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen represents a solid short-term option but, at 29 years old, is close to the end of his prime. The same can be said for Federico Dimarco from Inter Milan, who turns 28 in November, and Antonee Robinson from Fulham, an experienced performer who will also be 28 at the start of next season.
Real Madrid made unsuccessful attempts to acquire Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich, as the Canadian has recently penned a new long-term deal. While Jeremie Frimpong has been suggested for Liverpool, he might be too offensively inclined to fit alongside Alexander-Arnold.
Thus, suitable options are scarce. If they can secure Nuno Mendes from PSG, it would be a significant achievement, though it’s a challenging prospect. Lastly, Theo Hernandez from AC Milan, who will be 28 this season, is the most appealing option considering his age and experience.
An overlooked possibility is Destiny Udogie at Tottenham, who has developed into a versatile player at just 22 years old. Ultimately, the market may not align for Xabi Alonso to effectively address this issue this summer, and Real Madrid may need to work with their current roster, particularly given Eduardo Camavinga’s ability to fill in at left-back along with Fran Garcia’s reliability as a backup to Mendy.
