Xabi Alonso. (Picture credit: X/@realmadrid)
After a season that didn’t quite live up to expectations, the club has begun making serious moves to refresh the squad and fix areas that looked shaky during the 2024/25 campaign.
The arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen has already brought fresh energy and optimism. And these are not short-term signings. Instead, they reflect a bigger plan.
Real Madrid have identified what was missing and are now taking meaningful steps to fill those gaps.
The departures have also started. Luka Modric, one of the greatest midfielders in football history, has left at 39. Lucas Vazquez also moves on at the age of 33, and Jesus Vallejo, 28, who never managed to secure a leading role, has also exited.
This wave of change is long overdue. The squad has been ageing, and although experience is valuable, a rebuild was clearly needed.
At present, there are only four players over 30, namely, Thibaut Courtois (33), Dani Carvajal (33), David Alaba (turning 33 this month), and Ferland Mendy (30).
However, Alaba and Mendy could leave soon, although both are still holding onto their contracts, which expire in 2026 and 2028, respectively.
Focus shifts to young talents
Dean Huijsen will be a valuable addition to Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
The new project is not just about buying players from other clubs. Xabi Alonso and club president Florentino Perez are also looking at what the academy has to offer.
Raul Asencio, 22, has been promoted and is set to be an important part of the squad next season. The defender impressed even when former coach Carlo Ancelotti was not fully convinced about promoting academy players.
Then there’s Huijsen, a 20-year-old central defender with great potential. Left-footed, composed, and with a good understanding of the game, he is expected to play a big role in defence for years to come.
Another major signing is Alexander-Arnold. At 26, he is experienced but still young enough to fit into a long-term plan.
More to come
Real Madrid also have more signings lined up. One of the most exciting names is Franco Mastantuono. The 17-year-old Argentine talent is set to arrive, although no date has been confirmed yet.
Real Madrid are set to sign Franco Mastantuono. (Photo by Franklin Jacome/Getty Images)
Then there’s Alvaro Carreras, 22, whose signing has taken longer than expected. But the club remains confident of completing the deal.
Carreras went unnoticed during his earlier years at Real Madrid’s academy, but thanks to his leap with Benfica, he is now back on the radar.
With all these changes, the average age of Real Madrid’s squad will drop from 28.2 years to 25.3, and that is before even finalising all the new arrivals.
The direction is clear that Real Madrid are planning for the long term, combining experience with youth, and looking to build a squad capable of dominating both La Liga and Europe in the years to come.
Xabi Alonso’s project has just begun, but if these early moves are anything to go by, Real Madrid fans have every reason to feel hopeful.
Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images
Franco Mastantuono has quickly become one of the most talked-about young footballers in the world.
The 17-year-old River Plate talent has impressed many with his maturity and ability on the ball and while Paris Saint-Germain were seen as front-runners in the race to sign him, Real Madrid have now jumped ahead and are set to win the battle.
But how did the Spanish giants manage to pull it off, especially with PSG willing to pay his release clause?
Let’s take a closer look at the key reasons behind this high-profile transfer swing.
The Real Madrid dream
Real Madrid had been monitoring Mastantuono for more than two years. They were quietly planning the move, keeping close contact with the player’s camp and making sure not to rush.
But the moment PSG entered the picture, things started to heat up. The French champions were serious. They not only wanted the player, they were ready to trigger his release clause of around €48.2 million, including taxes.
Still, something shifted. According to sources close to the player, Mastantuono had always dreamed of wearing the Real Madrid shirt.
That emotional connection was key. Even when PSG manager Luis Enrique personally called the youngster to convince him, it was not enough to sway him. In fact, it was that phone call that forced Real Madrid to step up their game.
Soon after, the club sent top scout Juni Calafat to Argentina and made it clear that they were not going to let this one slip.
Franco Mastantuono is set to join Real Madrid. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)
River Plate were contacted again, and Xabi Alonso backed the move. The message to the player and his family was clear that Real Madrid were fully committed.
But more than anything else, Mastantuono and his family value life in Spain. Madrid offers a lifestyle, language, and culture that suits them far more than Paris.
The player himself decided to pause talks with PSG and focus on joining the Spanish club. It was not just about football. It was about where he wanted to grow.
Timing and patience the key
While the emotional factor was certainly in place, the deal was not done just yet, as PSG were ready to pay the full clause without hesitation.
That is something Real Madrid do not usually do. They prefer to negotiate, build relationships, and find agreements that work for all sides. That is what they are doing now with River Plate.
The Argentine club made it clear early on that they want to keep Mastantuono until the end of the year. They aim to let him play in the Club World Cup and the Copa Libertadores.
Real Madrid are open to that. They know rushing things is not always smart. Instead, they are working on a structured deal by paying close attention to deadlines, payments, and timing.