As is often the case with Real Madrid, the January transfer window proved to be rather uneventful for the LaLiga giants this season.
Young striker Endrick transitioned to Lyon on loan for the remainder of the season. However, the most significant movements during the last month were not player transfers, but rather changes in coaching staff, with Xabi Alonso being dismissed and Álvaro Arbeloa stepping up from the B team to take his place.
Despite the lack of midseason transfers, Real Madrid faces several challenges within their squad that need to be addressed over the summer. They must figure out how to bolster their defense and midfield, decide the future of notable attacking players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, and evaluate whether a new coach should be brought in.
ESPN Madrid correspondents Alex Kirkland and Rodra tackle essential transfer questions that Los Blancos need to consider when the summer window reopens.
– What options does Vini Jr. have as his Real Madrid contract approaches its end?
– Can Madrid’s fitness guru, Antonio Pintus, help salvage the season?
– Transfer window winners and losers: Assessing how Man City, Liverpool, and others performed
What steps should Madrid take this summer regarding the futures of Vinícius and Bellingham?
Kirkland: I’m still not entirely confident that a front line featuring Kylian Mbappé, Vini Jr., and Bellingham can perform consistently well, especially against the best teams. While all three are undoubtedly elite players, during their season and a half together, how frequently have we seen the team truly excel? It’s happened in bursts—like in some Champions League matches last year or last October’s Clásico. Most of the time, the side has appeared disjointed, as if the coach—whether it’s Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso, or Arbeloa—is attempting to awkwardly fit all the stars into a functional lineup, sometimes even sidelining Vinícius.
Clearly, Mbappé isn’t going anywhere. So, I would consider letting one of Vini Jr. or Bellingham go, preferably Vinícius, for what I hope could be a substantial fee. Although the Brazil international has played a crucial role for Madrid, contributing to two Champions League victories, with less than 18 months left on his contract, perhaps it is best for both sides to part ways. There are reports that Vinícius’ former team, Flamengo, aims to bring him back, and their director of football jokingly mentioned a possible free transfer, but realistically his most probable next destinations are the Saudi Pro League, the Premier League, or Paris Saint-Germain.
Rodra: Madrid should firmly commit to both Vinícius and Bellingham, regardless of their lackluster performances this season. They ought to negotiate a renewal with Vinícius in the summer, establishing fair terms for both sides. While they shouldn’t entertain his overly ambitious demands, they need to emphasize his significance to their project. That’s essential to help him rediscover his best form, as he remains a valuable asset for the club. As for Bellingham, Madrid must reassure him and communicate their confidence during this challenging period. Importantly, they should make it clear to both Vini Jr. and Jude that no player is untouchable, and that performance will determine each player’s standing in the squad.
Will Madrid retain Arbeloa or seek a new coach? Jürgen Klopp, perhaps?
Rodra: That will hinge on the outcomes of the current season. If Madrid fails to secure any trophies, sources within the club have indicated to ESPN that Arbeloa may not continue in his role. Currently, no clear consensus has emerged regarding potential replacements among the Madrid hierarchy. Zinedine Zidane is a favored option for club president Florentino Pérez, who is hoping to succeed Didier Deschamps as France manager after the World Cup.
Although Klopp often comes up as a potential candidate, the German has yet to show any intention of making a move to Madrid in the near future. If the season concludes without success, there may be a shift towards a manager like Klopp stepping into the role.
Kirkland: I would be surprised if Arbeloa is still in charge next season. At Madrid, anything is possible, and winning either LaLiga or the Champions League could shift everything. However, based on the team’s current form, there’s little indication that such a turnaround is likely. My expectation is that Madrid may finish second in LaLiga, trailing Barcelona, and face elimination from the Champions League as soon as they encounter a quality opponent. If that scenario unfolds, Arbeloa is likely to be let go. This is not a reflection on him—he may well develop into an effective coach—but he’s been thrust into a challenging situation prematurely and has understandably made some early mistakes.
Regarding a successor, while Klopp would present an intriguing option, he would require a level of control that is unprecedented at Real Madrid. Other candidates, like Unai Emery, appear even less likely. Currently, there isn’t a clear leading candidate, and historically, when new managers haven’t been promoted from within, they’ve generally been unexpected hires, such as Rafa Benítez. There’s also the possibility that Ancelotti could be tempted to return for a third stint after his tenure with Brazil. With the circumstances that have unfolded, perhaps it’s time to call Carlo back; we didn’t appreciate what we had until he was gone.
Is Konaté still on Madrid’s radar, or should they target another center back to reinforce their defense?
Rodra: Madrid has earmarked the acquisition of a new center back as a priority for the summer. They are closely monitoring players with impending contract expirations, and Liverpool‘s Ibrahima Konaté is among those players. Previously, his high financial demands pushed Madrid away, but if he opts to lower those, he could once again be a viable option.
Other players, like Jacobo Ramón, are also under consideration. With David Alaba set to leave and uncertainties surrounding Antonio Rüdiger’s position, there will be changes within the center-back market. Other players being monitored by the scouting team include Castello Lukeba and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Kirkland: Acquiring a new center back is essential. As Rodra notes, Alaba is leaving, Rüdiger’s reliability is in question, Dean Huijsen is a promising talent but struggles in his debut season, and Raúl Asencio has shown inconsistencies. Madrid needs to secure a defender who can solidify their defense for the next decade, and if they can arrange a deal as beneficial as their previous successful gains, similar to Alaba and Rüdiger, that would be even better.
2:39
Laurens: Real Madrid displayed a complete lack of effort
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens analyze Real Madrid’s performance in their 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano and discuss the changes needed within the squad.
Should Madrid exercise their option to re-sign Nico Paz from Como this summer, wait a year, or let him go?
Kirkland: Absolutely, they should bring back Nico Paz. He embodies the smart, creative midfield presence the team has sorely lacked this season. While it may not be clear where he fits into the starting eleven alongside Bellingham, he brings a unique profile that is absent in the current squad. Having proven himself at Como and being recognized as Serie A‘s best young player, now is the time for him to come back. Even if things don’t work out as planned, there will still be a significant market for a player of his caliber in 2027.
Rodra: Paz’s future will be determined this summer. Madrid intends to exercise their re-sign clause, followed by one of two outcomes: either he remains with the squad or is sold for a significant profit. While Madrid is keen to have him back, the final decision will rest with the player, who is weighing the potential playing time available at the Bernabéu given the competition in attack. The option to spend another year at Como is currently off the table.
Madrid has yet to effectively replace Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Who should they target this summer to fill the gap?
Rodra: Signing a creative midfielder is another key goal for Madrid this summer. Vitinha tops their list, but both his camp and PSG are not optimistic about a departure. The club is also looking at Fabián Ruiz, who also plays for PSG. Additionally, they are scouting younger talents, such as Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar, as they are eager to secure a player in this position this summer.
Kirkland: This should be Madrid’s foremost priority for the summer transfer window. None of the intended successors to Kroos and Modric, especially Eduardo Camavinga, have stepped up effectively. Arda Güler has been given significant playing time this season and performed well but still isn’t quite there. Although Vitinha is the ideal target, Madrid is aware of how challenging it can be to lure a player from PSG—just ask Mbappé. However, they need to be pursuing players of that caliber, as prior efforts to cultivate Kroos or Modric’s replacements have fallen short; it’s time to bring in a proven talent.
1:56
Is Jude Bellingham’s injury serious?
The “ESPN FC” crew discusses Jude Bellingham’s injury sustained during Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano and evaluates how the team will cope without their English star.
What should be the approach for Endrick: bring him back, loan him out again, or sell him?
Kirkland: Just look at Endrick’s impressive form at Lyon to realize that he might have played a larger role for Madrid this season. Even with Mbappé at center-forward, I believe Endrick could have contributed significantly, possibly more than Rodrygo and Franco Mastantuono on the right wing. Endrick required playing time, which he wasn’t receiving under Alonso. Now at Lyon, he’s getting those minutes and excelling. I’d advocate bringing him back, and even if he isn’t a regular starter, he could be invaluable as Madrid’s key impact substitute.
Rodra: Madrid views Endrick as one of the top prospects in world football and intends to recall him to Valdebebas in the summer. The plan is for his loan at Lyon to end in June, although the French club may seek to extend it. Endrick sought playing time to secure a spot on Brazil’s World Cup team before returning to Madrid. However, if he doesn’t see a guaranteed starting position, he may reconsider his future. Rodrygo’s situation will also play a significant role in this decision. Ultimately, I believe Madrid should trust in Endrick’s abilities and provide him a spot in the squad, as he has the potential to become an exceptional Real Madrid player.
Which players should the club aim to offload this summer?
Kirkland: Several players should be moved on this summer; some veterans whose time has run its course and some younger talents who haven’t met expectations. In defense, players like Alaba, Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy should be let go. As for Dani Carvajal, we’ll see how he performs when fully fit, but given the effort put into signing him, Trent Alexander-Arnold should assume the primary right-back role, with Federico Valverde as a competent secondary option. Additionally, I would look to move on from Dabi Ceballos, and I’d consider a reasonable offer for Rodrygo as well.
Rodra: Madrid needs departures to reduce squad size. Along with Alaba, Rüdiger, Carvajal, and Ceballos, Fran García and Brahim Díaz could be sold to raise funds. Additionally, is it conceivable to offload either Camavinga or Aurélien Tchouaméni for the right price? A major shift within the squad is necessary.
Madrid is already preparing for several exits, including Alaba, whose contract will end in June. Carvajal, Mendy, and Rüdiger are also potential departures. The club believes both Carvajal and Rüdiger deserve the opportunity to decide on their future. However, uncertainty looms around their situations. As for Mendy, the club would welcome a transfer but hasn’t received any offers due to his injury concerns.