According to a report from AS, the new Real Madrid head coach will be responsible for activating the future prospects of the four new signings from last summer, as Alexander-Arnold, Carreras, Huijsen, and Mastantuono did not reach the expected level in their first season in white.
The report states that this significant investment, totaling 180 million euros, comprises four transfers Real Madrid completed in the summer of 2025. Mastantuono's transfer fee was 63.2 million euros, Huijsen's was 58 million euros, Álvaro Carreras's was 50 million euros, and the club paid an additional 11 million euros to Liverpool to allow the English player to represent the team in the Club World Cup in the United States. The total investment for the four transfers slightly exceeded 180 million euros, and the future of all four players with the team is now uncertain.
The core reason for the uncertain future of the four new signings is their subdued performance on the field this season. Mastantuono, the most expensive player, had a release clause of 45 million euros, totaling 63.2 million euros after taxes. The club plans to loan out the young Argentinian after the season, unless the new head coach decides to keep him in the squad.
The team hopes that by loaning players out, they will get consistent playing time and ensure their development pace, with a preference for loans to La Liga to facilitate continuous monitoring of their form. Reinier's previous loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Frosinone were not ideal, making the team cautious about sending players to other European leagues. The player was deeply trusted by Xabi Alonso at the start of the season, but after Arbeloa took over relevant scheduling, his playing opportunities gradually decreased. He played a total of 35 games this season, scoring 3 goals.
Real Madrid spent 58 million euros last summer to activate Huijsen's release clause, signing him from Bournemouth, making him the most expensive defender in Real Madrid's transfer history. In March 2025, he made his debut for the Spanish national team against the Netherlands. His outstanding psychological quality, calm style, and ability to play the ball out from the back once made him a popular candidate to strengthen the team's defense, and the player himself had always yearned to join Real Madrid.
He started the season brightly, but his form began to decline in the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid at the end of September 2025, and a series of injuries further diminished his standing on the field. He made 40 appearances this season, scoring 2 goals. Considering the physical condition of Rüdiger and Militão, it is highly likely that this defender will remain with the team.
Álvaro Carreras, a product of Real Madrid's youth academy, previously played for Manchester United and Benfica, and the team paid 50 million euros to sign him. Real Madrid attempted to lower the transfer price, but Benfica is a publicly listed club, and transfer pricing cannot be arbitrarily adjusted.
Carreras performed well at the start of the season and was successfully included in Spain's preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup, but his form significantly declined at the end of the season, drawing criticism from Real Madrid fans. At the same time, Mendy's healthy return and Fran García's excellent competitive form also put him at a disadvantage in internal competition, with Fran García playing 23 games this season and scoring 1 goal. Carreras made a total of 40 appearances this season, with both of his goals coming against Valencia.
Among the four new signings, Alexander-Arnold had the lowest transfer cost, with the club paying 11 million euros to secure his early transfer to qualify for the Club World Cup. The English defender suffered from muscle injuries throughout the season, preventing him from playing consistently. Additionally, his frequent attacking runs often created defensive gaps in the back, leading to inconsistent performance throughout the season. He played a total of 30 games this season, without scoring any goals, but providing 5 assists. He recently suffered another setback when England coach Tuchel announced the World Cup squad, and Alexander-Arnold, whose form had recently improved, was not called up.
The team is currently awaiting the appointment of a new head coach, and whether the four players signed last summer will remain with Real Madrid remains uncertain.