The LaLiga giants are looking to Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen stand-outs to rejuvenate their squad.
Eder Militão’s second ACL tear in a little over a year has thrown Real Madrid into a defensive crisis. They have only one fit central defender (Antonio Rüdiger), another who isn’t part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans (Jesús Vallejo) and a third (Aurélien Tchouaméni) who is really a midfielder but looks set to play at the back for the remainder of the season.
Despite that, the club have no plans to sign players in January and will instead turn to their youth academy to plug any potential gaps, with Raúl Asencio, who starred as a substitute in Saturday’s win over Alavés, and Jacobo Ramón expected to join the first team.
However, Los Blancos know a defensive overhaul is urgently needed, a feeling they already had last summer. Serious injuries suffered in the early part of the season by Militão and Dani Carvajal, along with uncertainty about David Alaba’s return, have strengthened it.
Real Madrid’s four summer 2025 transfer targets
Looking ahead to the summer of 2025, though, and Madrid have identified four targets. And three of them have two things in common: they usually play in defence and would be available for free as their contracts with their current clubs expire in June.
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies are the men in question. A right-back, centre-back and a left-back respectively.
Further forward, the LaLiga giants are also hoping to lure Tah’s Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz to Spain to sprinkle some magic in attack. However, the 21-year-old is under contract with the Bundesliga champions until 2027, which means Real Madrid would need to dig deep into their pockets for a Jude Bellingham-style transfer.
Madrid’s long-term Davies interest
The signing of Canada international Davies has been in the works for at least a couple of seasons. Last summer, Madrid believed Bayern would prefer to sell him then rather than risk him leaving for free, which already happened with Alaba.
However, the Bavarians instead attempted to convince the 24-year-old to extend his deal, which he hasn’t done. If that remains the case come June, Davies knows he will have an offer on the table from the Spanish capital.
Very much in the attacking style of former Madrid left-backs Roberto Carlos and Marcelo, Davies’ potential arrival would likely lead to Fran García being made available for transfer. Ferland Mendy, who has just signed a new contract until 2027, would have a fight on his hands for a starting spot.
Carvajal injury sees Madrid turn to Alexander-Arnold
Los Merengues weren’t planning on looking for a replacement for Carvajal just yet, despite him now being 32. The 2023/24 season was the best of his career, as shown by him finishing fourth in the Ballon d’Or, and had also started the current campaign very well, leading to him extending his contract until 2026.
But Carvajal’s own crucial ligament tear, which will keep him sidelined for several months, has forced Madrid’s hand somewhat and brought a move for Alexander-Arnold into sight.
There are few full-backs who offer the attacking potential of the Englishman, who is also capable of playing in midfield. Ironically, the 26-year-old is a serious injury doubt for the upcoming Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid on November 27.
Jonathan Tah, Rüdiger’s partner with Germany
Jonathan Tah’s name has come up as a possible addition in the January transfer window. As it stands, that won’t be the case but he will still be of interest in the summer, when his contract with Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen expires. And that connection to Alonso could prove key, as the former midfielder is favourite to replace Ancelotti as Real Madrid, possibly next summer.
The 28-year-old centre-back is particularly notable for his statute: he is 1.95m tall yet is comfortable on the ball. He has made big strides forward in the last year, establishing himself as a regular starter in the German national team, where his central defensive partner is Rüdiger, another point in his favour.
Wirtz to follow Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid?
As mentioned, Wirtz is an entirely different case. The German is perhaps the most promising young midfielder in the world at present after inspiring Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title. And, of course, he’s another Alonso link.
According to German media outlet Sky, negotiations between the two clubs have already taken place for the No. 10, who scored 18 goals last season and provided 20 assists.
Wirtz is the man Madrid hope can connect midfield and attack in the long term, although he won’t come cheap. At 21, he is currently valued at approximately €130 million ($138 million).