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Real Madrid decide on ‘Plan A’ for transfer deadline day

Rüdiger’s injury, Alaba’s recovery, Alexander-Arnold’s choice. Carlo Ancelotti targets more titles this season as the January transfer window closes.

Madrid
Rüdiger’s injury, Alaba’s recovery, Alexander-Arnold’s choice. Carlo Ancelotti targets more titles this season as the January transfer window closes.
JUAN AGUADODiarioAS

There will be no surprises at Real Madrid today. Even though the transfer window remains open until 11:59 p.m., nothing will change. The market is there, but Madrid will not be making any last-minute signings. Full stop. The only scenario that could slightly raise pulses at the Bernabéu would be a last-minute offer for one of the current squad members — though that is not expected either. From inside the club, no departures are on the cards. It is a settled decision. And yet, Antonio Rüdiger’s injury, just before a crucial stretch of the season, reignited the debate about signing a center-back. Almost an emergency. But it won’t happen. The club has remained unmoved in recent hours, standing firm on Plan A: signings, like bicycles, are for the summer. There will be no news today.

This, despite the fact that there is still disagreement between the coaching staff and the boardroom. Carlo Ancelotti believes signing a center-back is necessary and made his position clear more than a month ago. But he made no demands. True to his nature, Carletto is a club man who offers his opinion sincerely but never applies pressure. At the start of January, there was serious debate in the boardroom, even exploring the market for potential opportunities, including a short-term fix at right-back for six months. But nothing surfaced.

At least nothing that would be financially viable without a major investment. So the decision was made: wait. Hold out until summer. And that is exactly what will happen.

Ancelotti during a training session at Valdebebas.
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Ancelotti during a training session at Valdebebas.NurPhotoNurPhoto via Getty Images

Trent can wait until July

The only exception to this transfer strategy? Trent Alexander-Arnold. Because Madrid had no plans for winter signings... except for him. An extraordinary operation. They want him, no matter what. That meant the club was open to making an effort in this window, though never at any cost. Madrid made two offers for the full-back, reaching $16 million, but the answer was always the same: no. And Liverpool went even further: on the afternoon of December 31, they responded that they would never negotiate his transfer. The end.

Alexander-Arnold is 90% done

So the deal is set for summer. As has been reported, an agreement is in place between all parties. Alexander-Arnold knows the terms of his Real Madrid contract, he knows it will be a long-term deal, and he knows his presentation will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu. Everything is finalized. Except for the signature. That has yet to happen. And that is the only thing keeping the deal at 90% instead of 100%. But the transfer is unofficially done. Trent continues to tell Real Madrid that he wants to play at the Bernabéu, and he is sticking to his word. Optimism remains high at the club.

The only thing that could derail the transfer is a last-minute change of heart from the player. Something beyond Madrid’s control. But that scenario is not expected. Unlike Alphonso Davies, who has long been seen as a doubt, Trent has always shown a firm commitment to joining Madrid. These are very different cases. Alexander-Arnold wants to play alongside Jude Bellingham, his close friend. Liverpool are refusing to give up hope, clinging to one last dream: winning the Premier League and the Champions League, and hoping that a packed Anfield in May will soften his stance. A near-impossible scenario. Because the full-back wants to go to Real Madrid. He says so, and he means it.

Alexander-Arnold on the Liverpool bench against Lille.
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Alexander-Arnold on the Liverpool bench against Lille.Phil NobleREUTERS

Alaba to the rescue

His move will happen in the summer. Along with one or two others. Until then, Madrid are counting on David Alaba’s return to full fitness. He continues to show impressive signs and is expected to be back in the starting XI for the Manchester fixture. It was already a target for him, but with Rüdiger’s injury, it has become almost an obligation. Alaba knows this is his moment. The moment to push himself. The moment to step up. With him, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and the wild card when he recovers, Madrid will fight for the season ahead. And at right-back? Lucas Vázquez.

Today, there will be no signings. The window does not close until 11:59 p.m., but long before that hour, the office lights at the Bernabéu will already be switched off. There will be no moves. It will be a quiet day. Because Plan A remains: signings are for the summer.

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