Real Madrid Transfer Update: Midfield Search Ends With No Additions | OneFootball

Real Madrid Transfer Update: Alonso Told to Work with Current Squad

Quiet Market Reflects Trust in Project, But Raises Questions

Real Madrid’s summer business appears to be coming to a quiet close. With the signings of Alvaro Carreras, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono already completed, there is a growing acceptance within the club that no further arrivals will be made unless unexpected sales occur.

According to The Athletic, “Sources who have recently been in contact with the club tell The Athletic they have been looking at options for midfield, but none of them have been fully convincing. In contrast, club sources insist the squad is closed to any more arrivals and that Alonso will have to adapt to what is available.”

This sentiment encapsulates the current state of affairs at Valdebebas. Real Madrid are not short on quality, but there is still the sense that Xabi Alonso, embarking on his first season as head coach, might want more in specific areas, particularly midfield. He has kept the door ajar, but the club’s hierarchy have, for now, bolted it shut.

Photo: IMAGO

Rodrygo Situation Remains Unresolved

Alonso’s openness to new additions may be linked to ongoing uncertainty around Rodrygo. The Brazilian remains at the club, but multiple sources suggest all is not settled behind the scenes. According to The Athletic, “both the club and Alonso are open to Rodrygo leaving,” and while the player has shown no public desire to move, his links with intermediary Pini Zahavi suggest the story may not be over.

Alonso and his staff “are not entirely happy with Rodrygo,” hinting at a mismatch in expectations or performance levels. While nothing is imminent, his departure would force Madrid back into the market quickly.

As for the iconic No 9 shirt, Madrid have yet to assign it. That decision may reflect hesitation over Rodrygo’s future, or even signal a surprise move still to come.

Photo: IMAGO

Midfield Options Raise Debates Over Depth

There is no shortage of midfield talent in Madrid’s squad, but questions remain about balance. Mastantuono arrives with promise but is not eligible until he turns 18 on August 14. Meanwhile, Madrid considered reinforcements in the middle of the park, but nothing stood out. “None of them have been fully convincing,” as one source put it.

This leaves Alonso with a midfield built around experience and youth, but no clear option if injuries hit. The club’s view is pragmatic, trusting Alonso to make use of what he has, and to develop further from within.

Outgoings Add Final Touches to Summer Business

The exits of academy graduates Chema Andres, Jacobo Ramon and Mario Martin mark a shift in Real Madrid’s development strategy. Meanwhile, Reinier Jesus is set to join Atletico Mineiro, four years after arriving for €30 million from Flamengo. He departs having never featured for the senior team, with Madrid retaining a 50 per cent sell-on clause.

Elsewhere, Gonzalo Garcia is pushing for an improved deal after starring at the Club World Cup, and Ferland Mendy’s long-finalised contract renewal has still not been announced, surprising those close to the player.

Madrid also waived their buy-back clause on Nico Paz, although they retain a 50 per cent sell-on stake. Como continue to express interest in buying that out, but as The Athletic reports, “sources at Madrid rejected the idea of losing control over a player they see as a potential star.”