Real Madrid’s first ‘signings’ for 2026-27 revealed

As we mentioned a few days ago, Real Madrid are already looking ahead to next season. Without losing sight of what is still at stake, the club are exploring ways to strengthen a squad that those at Valdebebas believe is capable of competing for, and winning, both La Liga and the Champions League. The priority targets are two centre-backs and a midfielder, with Vitinha the main objective and Smits second on the list.

Alongside players excelling at other clubs, Real Madrid are also monitoring those who came through their academy before moving on, as well as players like Endrick, who are using loan spells to prove their worth in European football.

The latest developments concern two players who are already on their way back, even with four months of competition still to play. We are talking about Nico Paz and the Brazilian striker. They are very different cases, but both are already part of the coaching staff’s and management’s plans for next season.

Nico Paz and Real Madrid have already decided that their paths will cross again from 1 July. There is no doubt about it. The release clause, set at just over $10 million, will be paid and the academy graduate will return to the first team, just as he featured under Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabéu.

In the summer of 2024, the Argentine international chose to leave in search of confidence and playing time, with two clear objectives. The first was to establish himself at Como under Cesc Fàbregas and earn a call-up to the national team. That goal has been achieved, with the World Cup his ultimate aim.

The second objective was always a return to Valdebebas. At Real Madrid he has convinced everyone, and Nico Paz himself believes the right conditions are now in place for his return to the first team, which is expected to become reality at the end of this season.

Endrick’s situation is very different. The Brazilian left because of a complete lack of playing time under Xabi Alonso. At Valdebebas there is talk of disastrous management of the striker, who is more than meeting the expectations set when the loan was agreed. There was never much doubt that the move would be successful. At the time it was seen as the best option for all parties, although there is now some regret about his departure.

Another academy case still under evaluation is Jacobo Ramón. He is excelling during his spell in Italy, but that does not necessarily mean he will return to Real Madrid next summer. The club are more than satisfied with the centre-back’s progress, yet, as with Nico Paz, a second season under Fàbregas is not ruled out to complete his accelerated development at elite level.

There are others, but these three are the players most firmly under Real Madrid’s control and most frequently discussed in the club’s offices. Each case is different, but the final decision rests with Madrid in all of them.