Squad shake-up in Madrid? Real set their sights on two Bayern stars | OneFootball

Sporting setbacks, internal criticism and growing doubts about head coach Xabi Alonso make a major upheaval seem possible at Real Madrid, with two of FC Bayern’s top performers now coming under scrutiny

Real Madrid have fallen short of their own expectations in both the Champions League and the Spanish La Liga this season. A place in the top eight in Europe’s premier league is by no means certain, while the team are only four points behind FC Barcelona in second place nationally. The sporting situation is putting Xabi Alonso in particular under massive pressure, with his future already being openly discussed just a few months after he took over

But it’s not just the coach who is being criticized. According to the Spanish portal Defensa Central, two attacking stars, Vinicius Júnior and Rodrygo, are considered to be candidates for sale in the summer of 2026. Neither have been able to consistently deliver their usual impact. For Real, this would mean a profound cut in the attack – and the need to build up alternatives early on

Bayern duo on the list – but not for sale

photo: IMAGO

A shortlist of potential successors is already circulating in Madrid, with names such as Bukayo Saka, Désiré Doué and Kenan Yildiz appearing alongside two FC Bayern professionals: Luis Díaz and Michael Olise. The Munich wingers have developed into one of the most productive duos in Europe under Vincent Kompany and together have scored 42 goals this season – figures that are attracting international attention

Nevertheless, the starting position is clear. A transfer in the summer of 2026 is virtually impossible from Munich’s point of view. Both attacking players have long-term contracts without exit clauses, both are absolute regulars and pillars of Bayern’s sporting concept. At Säbener Straße, Díaz and Olise are considered unsellable – regardless of how closely Real Madrid are monitoring the situation

For FC Bayern, the interest from Spain is more of a testament to their own squad planning. While Madrid are speculating about a shake-up, Munich have long since decided on their attacking future.