As often happens with Real Madrid, this January transfer window was relatively uneventful for the LaLiga giants.
Young striker Endrick was loaned to Lyon for the remainder of the season, but the most significant movements at the Bernabéu last month revolved around coaching, with Xabi Alonso being dismissed and Álvaro Arbeloa promoted from the B team to take his place.
but, despite the lack of midseason transfer activity, there are numerous issues within the squad that Madrid needs to address come summer. Questions loom over how to fortify the team’s defense and midfield, what to do with some of their premier attacking talents like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, and even whether another new coach should be appointed.
ESPN Madrid correspondents Alex Kirkland and Rodra tackle the pressing transfer questions that Los Blancos must confront when the window reopens in the summer.
– What options does Vini Jr. have as his Real Madrid contract winds down?
– Madrid’s fitness guru is pushing players to their limits. Can he salvage their season?
– Transfer window winners and losers: How Man City, Liverpool, and others fared.
What should Madrid do this summer regarding the futures of their star players: Vinícius and Bellingham?
Kirkland: I’m still not fully convinced that a lineup featuring Kylian Mbappé, Vini Jr., and Bellingham can consistently perform well, particularly against top-tier opponents. It’s clear that all three are elite players. but, in the season and a half that they’ve been together at Madrid, how often have we seen the team genuinely excel? Only in flashes — such as certain Champions League matches last season or October’s Clásico. Unfortunately, in many instances over the past 18 months, the team has appeared disjointed, as if the coach — whether it’s Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso, or Arbeloa — is struggling to integrate his stars into a cohesive XI. There were even times under Alonso when Vinícius was left out.
Mbappé isn’t going anywhere, clearly. So, I would consider, for an ideally astronomical fee, parting ways with either Vini Jr. or Bellingham, with a personal inclination towards Vinícius departing. The Brazilian has been crucial for Madrid, contributing to two Champions League titles, but with less than 18 months remaining on his contract, it may be time for a change. though sources indicate that Vinícius’ former club Flamengo aims to bring him back as a long-term objective — with the club’s director of football even joking about a potential free transfer — the realistic landing spots for him are the Saudi Pro League, Premier League, or Paris Saint-Germain.
Rodra: Madrid should commit to both Vinícius and Bellingham, despite their struggles this season. With the Brazilian, they should reach a renewal agreement in the summer, ensuring fair terms for both sides. They shouldn’t concede to all of the player’s excessive demands, but they must express his value to the Real Madrid vision. This is vital for reclaiming the best version of their No. 7, who remains a valuable asset for the club. Regarding Bellingham, they should provide reassurance and encouragement following a tough stretch of results. but, with both Vini Jr. and Jude, Madrid must clearly communicate that no player is untouchable in this squad, and that only performance will dictate each player’s standing.
Will Madrid continue with Arbeloa or look for another coach? Perhaps Jürgen Klopp? Someone else?
Rodra: It all hinges on the outcomes of this season. Should Madrid fail to secure any trophies, sources within the club have indicated to ESPN that Arbeloa will likely not remain as coach. As for potential successors, no candidate has achieved a consensus among the Madrid board. Zinedine Zidane is favored by club president Florentino Pérez, but he aspires to replace Didier Deschamps as France coach after the World Cup.
Klopp’s name often arises as a possibility, but there’s been no indication from the German about a move to Madrid anytime soon. If Madrid experience another unsuccessful season, a change in direction could beckon, potentially with a manager like Klopp at the helm.
Kirkland: I would be surprised if Arbeloa stays on as coach next season. At Madrid, however, anything is possible, and winning LaLiga or the Champions League could alter everything. Yet, given the way the team is currently playing, we have seen no signs suggesting that outcome is feasible. Conversely, it seems likely that Madrid will finish second in LaLiga behind Barcelona and could exit the Champions League upon facing a strong opponent. If this scenario unfolds, Arbeloa would likely step aside. This isn’t a reflection of his potential; he might develop into a good coach, but he’s been thrust into a challenging situation prematurely and has understandably made mistakes.
As for a successor, Klopp would be an intriguing choice, but he would require a level of authority that may be unprecedented in Madrid’s history. Other rumored candidates, such as Unai Emery, appear even less likely. Currently, there is no standout candidate, and in recent years, new Madrid coaches who weren’t promoted internally have been surprises, like Rafa Benítez. Might Ancelotti consider a return for a third term following his stint with Brazil? Given recent events: come back Carlo, we didn’t realize your worth until you left.
Is Konaté still a target, or should they pursue another center-back to bolster their defense?
Rodra: Madrid have identified acquiring a new center-back as a key objective for the summer. They are closely monitoring players whose contracts are expiring, with Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté being one of them. His previous financial demands excluded Madrid from the race, but if he adjusts those expectations, he may once again be a viable option.
Other candidates include Madrid youth product Jacobo Ramón. With David Alaba set to depart, and uncertainty surrounding Antonio Rüdiger’s future, movement within the center-back market is imminent. Players like Castello Lukeba and Nico Schlotterbeck are also on the radar of the scouting team, led by Juni Calafat.
Kirkland: Signing a new center-back has become essential. As Rodra mentioned, Alaba is departing, Rüdiger’s reliability is in question, Dean Huijsen shows potential but is struggling in his debut season, and Raúl Asencio has appeared prone to errors. Madrid needs to secure a defender who can solidify the backline for the next decade, and securing one on a free transfer, similar to the deals with Alaba and Rüdiger, would be beneficial.
2:39
Laurens: There was a complete lack of effort from Real Madrid
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens discuss Real Madrid’s performance in their 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano and what changes are necessary within the squad.
Should Madrid exercise the option to re-sign Nico Paz from Como this summer, wait another year, or let him go?
Kirkland: Absolutely, they should. Nico Paz represents the savvy, creative midfield presence the team has been lacking this season. Is there a clear spot for him in the XI, considering Bellingham’s presence? Not particularly. but, his unique skill set is absent from the current squad. He has honed his craft at Como, earning the distinction of Serie A’s best young player; now it’s time for his return. In the worst-case scenario, it doesn’t pan out, he may not log enough playing time, but a market for him would remain robust in 2027.
Rodra: Paz’s future will be decided in the summer. Madrid plans to activate their re-sign clause, followed by one of two courses of action: he either stays, or they move him on at a considerable profit. Madrid is keen to have him, but the final decision will rest with the player, who is contemplating the playing time available at the Bernabéu amidst such a competitive attack. The option of him staying another year at Como is currently not under consideration.
Madrid have yet to successfully replace Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Who could they sign this summer to address that gap?
Rodra: A creative midfielder is yet another summer target for Madrid. They favor Vitinha, but both the player’s camp and PSG suggest minimal chances of his departure. Another name up for consideration is Fabián Ruiz, who is also at PSG. The club is scouting the market for younger midfielders, with Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar emerging as a prominent candidate. Los Blancos are resolute in their aim to secure this type of player during the summer.
Kirkland: This should be Madrid’s highest priority in the summer window. None of the players anticipated to succeed Kroos and Modric — especially Eduardo Camavinga — have really stepped up. Arda Güler has received ample opportunities this season and performed decently, but he’s still not quite there. While Vitinha would be the ideal acquisition, Madrid understands the difficulties in pulling a player from PSG. Just ask Mbappé. but, that’s the caliber of player they need to pursue. Previous attempts to cultivate a new Kroos or Modric have faltered; it’s time to secure a ready-made solution.
1:56
How serious is Jude Bellingham’s injury?
The “ESPN FC” crew discusses Jude Bellingham’s injury from Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano and how the team will adapt without their English star.
What should the club do with Endrick: bring him back to Madrid, loan him out again, or let him go?
Kirkland: Endrick’s impressive performance for Lyon demonstrates that he could have played a more significant role for Madrid this season. Certainly, Mbappé is the starting center-forward, but it’s hard to believe that Endrick wouldn’t have contributed as much, or even more, than Rodrygo and Franco Mastantuono have on the right flank. Endrick required playing time. He didn’t receive it under Alonso, but he’s getting it at Lyon and excelling. Bringing him back would make sense; even if he isn’t an immediate starter, he could serve as Madrid’s 12th man and be the go-to option for igniting a game.
Rodra: Madrid view Endrick as one of football’s brightest talents, intending to bring him back to Valdebebas in the summer. The plan is for his loan at Lyon to expire in June, despite the French club attempting to extend it. Endrick hoped for minutes to secure a spot in Brazil’s World Cup squad, then return to Madrid. but, if he’s not guaranteed a starting role, he may reconsider his short-term future. The situation with Rodrygo will also play a crucial role. Madrid should indeed trust in Endrick and provide him with a role within the team. He possesses the necessary qualities to be an exceptional player at Real Madrid and deserves the opportunity.
Who should the club part ways with this summer?
Kirkland: There are numerous players who should conclude their time at Madrid this summer; some veterans whose tenure has ended, and some younger players who haven’t fully realized their potential. Defensively, Alaba, Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy should depart. We should assess Dani Carvajal’s form once fit, but Trent Alexander-Arnold should ideally be the first-choice right-back, with Federico Valverde serving as an exceptional, albeit reluctant, alternative. Beyond that, I’d look to move on from Dani Ceballos and would entertain a reasonable offer for Rodrygo as well.
Rodra: Madrid must facilitate departures to clear space in the squad. Along with Alaba, Rüdiger, Carvajal, and Ceballos, Fran García and Brahim Díaz could be leveraged to generate funds. Could one of Camavinga or Aurélien Tchouaméni also be allowed to move on for the right fee? I believe a significant overhaul is essential for the squad.
Madrid is already planning for various departures. Alaba is among those expected to leave, with his contract expiring in June. Carvajal, Mendy, and Rüdiger are also potential leavers. The club feels both Carvajal and Rüdiger have earned the right to choose their futures. Uncertainty surrounds them at Valdebebas. As for Mendy, club officials would welcome a transfer, but due to his fitness issues, no offers have yet materialized.
