Real Madrid’s transfer plans for the upcoming season are starting to take shape. After last summer’s decision not to reinforce the defense, president Florentino Pérez and general director José Ángel Sánchez now recognize the urgency of addressing this need. With a long and demanding season ahead, the club is determined to strengthen the backline, especially with the Club World Cup in the United States looming on the calendar.

Journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon has provided fresh insight into the direction Real Madrid is taking. According to him, Xabi Alonso is confirmed to take over as head coach for the Club World Cup, which will mark the beginning of the 2025–26 campaign. These matches, scheduled as part of the team’s preseason, are seen as the perfect platform to begin building Alonso’s project with a reinforced squad.

Significantly, some of next season’s signings are expected to arrive even before the summer window officially opens. Among the most high-profile is Trent Alexander-Arnold. Álvarez de Mon believes a deal with Liverpool is well on track and doesn’t foresee major obstacles: “I assume Liverpool and Real Madrid will reach an agreement. I don’t think Liverpool will be angry with Madrid, so I doubt there will be serious issues preventing Alexander-Arnold from becoming a Real Madrid player in every sense.”

But the English full-back is just one piece of the puzzle. The club is also working on securing both a left-back and a center-back before the Club World Cup begins. Álvaro Carreras has emerged as the leading candidate for the left flank. Madrid is reportedly optimistic, given the player’s openness to the move, though his €50 million release clause remains a point of negotiation. Other options being considered include Milos Kerkez, Miguel Gutiérrez, and Jorrel Hato, with the latter especially admired by the Madrid hierarchy.

As for the central defense, Dean Huijsen continues to be a name under serious consideration. Although the public messaging around him has cooled, Álvarez de Mon suggests that this might be a deliberate tactic. “There’s been a noticeable coldness toward Huijsen, but I think it’s calculated. They’re trying to cool things down, but the player still prefers Real Madrid. He’s the favorite,” he explained.

With Xabi Alonso preparing to take the reins and the club focused on reinforcing the squad ahead of the Club World Cup, Real Madrid’s summer looks set to be both busy and transformative.

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