Real Madrid turned down player ‘widely considered among best three in his position’ – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s inactivity during the January transfer window, despite the glaring issues in the squad, left many befuddled.

The results, too, were not going their way and while Los Blancos opted to change managers, replacing Xabi Alonso with Alvaro Arbeloa, no new player was signed.

The only major transfer operation that took place at Valdebebas during the winter window was Endrick’s departure to Olympique Lyon on loan until the end of the season.

Real Madrid rejected opportunity to sign top player

Real Madrid’s inactivity in the winter window was clearly not because of a lack of opportunity. As reported earlier, they were offered the services of Marc Guehi, but turned him down and he ended up joining Manchester City.

Now, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic reports that an agent, who represents a player ‘widely considered among the best three in his position’, offered his client to Real Madrid.

However, Los Blancos never even considered the proposal and shot down the offer.

The agent further told the aforementioned publication that he tried to suggest different ways of making the operation feasible and happen, but the Spanish capital club had no interest in even listening to the proposals.

Real Madrid turned down many players in January. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s stance leaves many bewildered

Real Madrid’s passive stance in the winter market has not only surprised fans, but has also confused agents, scouts, and sporting directors in the footballing world, the report states.

While teams like Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, PSG, and Manchester City all strengthened their squads, Los Blancos opted not to make any moves.

Scouts and directors from across Europe have told The Athletic that they do not understand why Real Madrid have been categorically ruling out arrivals in January.

There have been some misses when Real Madrid signed players in the winter in the past – Antonio Cassano comes to mind. At the same time, there have been some notable success stories – Marcelo, Gonzalo Higuain, Casemiro, and most recently Brahim Diaz.

But Real Madrid remained adamant in the winter window of 2026, insisting that the team did not need reinforcements and the current squad was more than capable of bringing success despite performances suggesting otherwise.