Real Madrid will not begin the 2026–27 season with the same squad. Inside the club, both executives and the coaching staff agree that changes are necessary, although they avoid talking about a full overhaul, a concept that rarely fits the reality of modern elite football. The main areas of concern for the sporting management are central defense and central midfield.

Even with the season still underway, long-term planning is already in motion at Valdebebas. Every club is obliged to analyze its squad, identify shortcomings, and anticipate future needs, often influenced by results on the pitch. Real Madrid are no exception. Recent defeats, including the loss to Benfica, have reopened debates that seemed settled after Xabi Alonso’s departure and Álvaro Arbeloa’s appointment. Still, the club does not intend to change its current course in the short term, despite growing external pressure for immediate signings.

Internal assessments are clear: the squad needs fresh profiles. Players who are comfortable on the ball, who can dictate play, and who better suit the demands of modern football. That type of influence has been largely missing from Real Madrid over the past season and a half.

Although several offers have surfaced in recent days, the club remains reluctant to act in the winter transfer window. The sporting department is fully aware that some players, particularly in defense, are nearing the end of their cycle at the club and are entering their final months as Real Madrid players.

In midfield, the strategy is unlikely to change. Real Madrid continue to prioritize young signings and avoid investing heavily in players over 20 years old unless they arrive on a free transfer. There is a shared belief that Vitinha would be an ideal fit, but PSG’s stance makes any move extremely complicated. For now, the next step would have to come from the player and his representatives. Meanwhile, the search continues. Among younger options, one name has stood out in recent reports: AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit.

As for the coaching position, everything depends on Arbeloa. His performances and results will shape the final decision. The club insists there is still time to choose wisely, openly acknowledging that this was not the case last April, when Xabi Alonso’s appointment was finalized. At present, Real Madrid have not entered talks with any other coaches.

********************************************************

You can now download the Madridista News App for free on the Apple Store and Google Play.

You can follow us on Facebook here.

You can follow us on X (Twitter) here.                                                                    

You can follow us on Instagram here.

You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

You can follow us on Telegram here.

You can follow us on TikTok here.

You can join our WhatsApp channel here.