From the terraces of the Santiago Bernabéu to the digital chatter in fan threads, one question haunts every Madridista: who should Real Madrid sign next to bring back the glory days? With Xabi Alonso now at the helm, the club is navigating a delicate squad reboot: blending youth, safeguarding immediate competitiveness, and closing glaring gaps. In this article, QuackGoal will walk you through Real Madrid’s biggest needs, credible targets, tactical fit, and what a perfect summer could look like.
The urgent needs: where Los Blancos must focus
Before naming names, it’s crucial to pinpoint where Real Madrid are vulnerable. The current squad under Alonso shows brilliance in attack, but structural imbalance elsewhere.
Defensive reinforcements
Even after signing Dean Huijsen in mid-2025, Real still need stability in central defense, especially with the ageing of veterans and question marks over availability.
The full-back spots, particularly the right-back role, have long been considered a weak link: Madrid have lacked a naturally attacking but defensively sound right-back.
Midfield creativity and control
The departure of Modrić, fading roles of older midfielders, and inconsistent displays.
On the other hand, the anchoring role (defensive midfield) has depth, though redundancy here is never a bad problem for Madrid.
Supporting the front line
With stars like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé leading the show, Madrid’s attack is formidable. But longevity, rotation, and tactical variety demand more options—especially wide attackers or secondary forwards who can relieve pressure, exploit spaces, and adapt to different formations.
Target profiles: who fits Madrid’s DNA
With needs established, here are ideal profiles Real Madrid should target (if budget and conditions align):
| Position | Qualities Sought | Why It Fits |
| Center-back | Tall, strong in duels, comfortable with ball playing | Strengthen core defense and pairing with Huijsen |
| Right-back | Offensive instincts, crossing range, defensive solidity | Solve the biggest structural weakness |
| Creative midfielder / No. 10 | Vision, passing range, ability to break lines | Replace missing link in attack construction |
| Versatile winger / forward | Speed, dribbling, tactical flexibility | Add dynamism and rotation to front line |
Top candidates: names Madrid should pursue
Below are some concrete names (rumors + realistic fits) that line up with the profiles above. (Note: these are not guarantees, but strong leads at this moment.)
Ibrahima Konaté
The French defender is often linked with Madrid’s defense overhaul. He can pair with Huijsen or provide experience in rotation. Reports suggest Liverpool might be open to negotiating.
William Saliba
A youthful centerpiece in Arsenal’s backline, Saliba is admired for his composure, defensive elegance, and ball progression. Madrid reportedly “sounded out” his entourage with a world-record fee in mind. hesun.ie])
Florian Wirtz
Despite his struggle at Liverpool, Wirtz remains among the most gifted attacking midfielders in Europe. Reports suggest Alonso wants Madrid to keep tabs on him, recalling their alignment.uk])
Michael Olise
The winger’s blend of pace, technique, and creativity has drawn interest.
Rodri
Bolstering defensive control, especially in dee. Madrid have shown interest in Manchester City’s midfielder. otball Whispers])
(Already in) Trent Alexander-Arnold
This one is special: Real Madrid have already sealed a deal to bring in the Liverpool full-back. He becomes the piece to fix that right-back puzzle.
Tactical harmony: integrating new stars into Alonso’s system
Signing big names is one challenge; making them function in Xabi’s system is another. Madrid’s approach under Alonso likely emphasizes press, flexible attacking rotations, and solid central control.
- Defense pairing with Huijsen: A younger defender like Konaté or Saliba offers wisdom, aerial dominance, and ball-playing balance.
- Alexander-Arnold on the right: He fits the attacking full-back mold—delivering crosses, overloads, and deep passing.
- Midfield orchestration: A Wirtz-type (if available) can tie midfield and attack seamlessly, offering the missing creative spark.
- Rotation for Mbappé & Bellingham: Olise or a dynamic forward can relieve pressure, maintain tempo, and keep the attacking threat crisp.
Madrid must ensure new arrivals complement, not clash with, existing superstars like Bellingham, Mbappé, and veterans. Hierarchy, roles, and minutes should be managed carefully.
Potential hurdles and strategic cautions
- Financial balance & wage control: Big signings come with big costs; Madrid must avoid overextending.
- Injury risk & adaptation: New players will require time to transition into Spanish football and Alonso’s demands.
- Locker room dynamics: The arrival of stars can disturb existing chemistry; leadership and integration efforts are essential.
- Competition from rivals: Barcelona, PSG, and Premier League clubs are prime competitors in pursuit of the same names.
Roadmap: how Madrid should phase their signings
- Fix the right-back immediately (Trent Alexander-Arnold is the anchor).
- Reinforce central defense next window with Konaté or Saliba.
- Scout for a creative midfielder—Wirtz or equivalent—while relying temporarily on internal options.
- Add forward depth only once structural defensive stability is achieved.
This phased approach ensures team balance, financial prudence, and minimized disruption.
Final Thoughts
Who should Real Madrid sign? Right now, the answer is as much about balance as it is about starpower. With Trent Alexander-Arnold already in the fold, Madrid must complement him with a top-tier center-back (Konaté or Saliba) and inject creativity in midfield (Wirtz or alternative). Add dynamism in attack, and you have a squad capable of chasing La Liga and European glory.
If you’re a Madridista or a transfer-tracker fan, stay tuned. QuackGoal will continue monitoring rumors, unveiling bold proposals, and dissecting your favorite moves. Let us know which name excites you most—and whether you believe Madrid can land them.
