Real Madrid has now paused its transfer activity. Following the signings of Huijsen, Alexander-Arnold, Mastantuono, and Carreras, the list of viable targets is shrinking.
Xabi Alonso wants to add a midfielder and a center-back, but those reinforcements will only arrive if the club identifies a strong market opportunity.
According to Cadena SER, Florentino Pérez has no intention of spending €100 million on a midfielder in the current market. As journalist Antón Meana reports:
“Real Madrid is putting the search for a ‘number 5’ and a center-back on hold. Florentino is adamant he won’t pay €100 million for a midfielder who isn’t worth it. The only exception would be Rodri—if he were available, Madrid would go for him. For now, nothing on the market convinces them.”
After the Club World Cup and the loss to PSG, Xabi made it clear he has little confidence in Dani Ceballos. With Modric and Kroos having departed last year, it’s likely Madrid will move for a midfielder at some point—but only if the right opportunity arises. Rodri remains the ideal target.
Despite the Spaniard being the number one target for Madrid, plenty of names have surfaced within the media, including Alexis Mac Allister, Angelo Stiller, Enzo Fernández, and Martín Zubimendi, who eventually made the long-awaited move to Arsenal in the Premier League.