Midfield target slides down Real Madrid shortlist for 2026 priority | OneFootball

If there was one position that perhaps people thought would be strengthened in the summer at the Santiago Bernabeu, it was central midfield. Already feeling the absence of Toni Kroos, forced to turn to Dani Ceballos in big games, and losing Luka Modric, for many it was the obvious recruit.

However the Real Madrid hierarchy stuck to their guns, maintaining faith that after a difficult season, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga would end up fashioning a competitive middle of the pitch between them. Nevertheless, three months into the season, it is again the central midfield position that is being discussed in the Spanish capital.

Interest in Alexis Mac Allister fading

Manager Xabi Alonso was reportedly keen on signing Martin Zubimendi before he went to Arsenal, however a number of names did emerge. Rodri Hernandez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Adam Wharton and Kees Smit were all players linked with Los Blancos, but Real Madrid appeared to feel that the options available could not provide the guarantees they needed, or were priced too high.

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The latter was the case for Mac Allister, with Liverpool unwilling to lose further stars to Real Madrid. However The Daily Briefing has revealed that Real Madrid are easing their interest in the Argentina international, as he struggles to assert himself this season at Anfield. The lack of clarity over his role in Arne Slot’s side has not helped.

London-centric search for central midfielder

That said, Wharton at Crystal Palace and Fernandez at Chelsea remain high on their shortlist, while they go on to say that the latter’s partner in the middle of the pitch, Moises Caicedo, is also receiving favourable reviews. It is presumed that the latter would not be signed for a similar role as Fernandez or Wharton, who would be charged with directing the circulation of the ball.

The risk would be Smit, who has shown excellent potential, but would be making a major leap to the Bernabeu from AZ Alkmaar. He could be signed with a view to taking over the role in the future, but did note that he was keen to continue developing with game time this past summer.