Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has said that he is expecting a quiet end to the summer transfer window, with further incomings or outgoings at this stage of proceedings unlikely.
Los Blancos have brought four new players to Bernabeu this summer, signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono.
Meanwhile, Alvaro Rodriguez, Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez, Reinier, Jesus Vallejo and Mario Martin have departed.
Dani Ceballos had been expected to complete a move to Marseille in the latter stages of the transfer window, but a proposed switch to the French outfit has broken down.
Alonso has confirmed that Ceballos will now remain at Bernabeu, while he also appears to have closed the door on a late departure for Rodrygo, who has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester City this summer.
Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos celebrates on November 24, 2024
Ceballos has seen a switch to Marseille break down
“It’s likely [that the squad is closed], but I don’t want to get my fingers burnt. We’ll keep an eye on things and wait and see. But it looks like it," Alonso told reporters during his press conference on Friday.
When asked about Ceballos, Alonso continued: “I spoke to him and it has been resolved that he is staying. My opinion hasn’t changed. He’s staying, he’s one of the squad. And I’m happy with him. the decision seems final. He still has the same role as before, it doesn’t change my view of him.”
Rodrygo's future has also been the subject of much speculation, with the Brazilian no longer a certain starter for Real Madrid, but he was named in the XI against Real Oviedo last time out.
The forward is expected to be back on the bench against Mallorca on Saturday, with Vinicius Junior set to return to the left-sided attacking role, but Alonso has said that Rodrygo can play in a number of positions.
"He has performed at his best in different positions. He has played as a nine and even a ten. But I think the left wing is a very good position for him. After a few games playing less… it was important for him to get back into the team dynamic," said the head coach.
Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga pictured on March 29, 2025
Real Madrid again set to be missing four players vs. Mallorca
Real Madrid are again expected to be without the services of Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick for their final match ahead of the September international break.
However, Camavinga could be available for the team's next game against Real Sociedad on September 14, and Alonso has spoke of his excitement at soon having the Frenchman back in the fold.
“I’m eager to have him, because I’ve had him around, but not continuously. That’s what I want. He’ll contribute a lot, because he has many qualities as a modern footballer," said Alonso.
“He fits in with what we want to do and will have his place. In addition to being someone very well-liked by his teammates, he creates a lot of cohesion among the different players. That’s also important.”
Real Madrid are third in the La Liga table, collecting maximum points from their opening two league games of the season against Osasuna and Real Oviedo.
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