Real Madrid have drawn up a brand-new transfer plan

Over the past two months, Real Madrid have drastically revised their transfer plans. Initially, the main objective for next season was securing the long-anticipated arrival of Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich, a move in progress for almost two years. He is expected to join with a release clause in hand. However, a series of events have forced a reevaluation of priorities.

First, there’s the realisation that the current midfield setup requires reinforcements to ensure the front line, brimming with talent, operates seamlessly. As a result, the club are actively searching for a playmaker to fill the gap left by Toni Kroos.

Then, there’s the unfortunate injury to Dani Carvajal, which makes securing a new right-back for the summer a necessity. Additionally, uncertainties surrounding David Alaba’s recovery have kept the search for a central defender active. Therefore, Real Madrid’s new priorities are a right-back, a midfielder, and a central defender—on top of Davies’ arrival.

Will Real Madrid sign a right-back?

The need for a new right-back is evident. Carvajal, at 32 and facing a lengthy recovery, along with Lucas Vázquez, who is 33, no longer provide adequate cover. Real Madrid’s most advanced option in this area is Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold (26), whose contract expires this summer. Madrid already initiated contact with his brother, who also acts as his agent, to gauge his availability.

This inquiry began months ago, as Alexander-Arnold presents a market opportunity similar to past acquisitions like Alaba, Rüdiger, and Mbappé. However, this was before Carvajal’s injury. Madrid are now ready to re-open discussions but are unwilling to engage in bidding wars that would drive up the price. Naturally, the English right-back has other suitors, and Madrid are exploring multiple options for the position.

Los Blancos want a midfield playmaker

Real Madrid are in search of a player similar to PSG’s Vitinha. The Portuguese midfielder, represented by Jorge Mendes, has been linked with the club, though prying him away from PSG could be costly. At 24, he plays a crucial role in Luis Enrique’s system and has a contract until 2027. Mendes’ involvement could complicate things slightly, though the club have successfully worked with him recently, as seen in the renewal of Andriy Lunin.

Another name in the mix is Florian Wirtz, also under contract until 2027. As reported by AS, this potential transfer has been quietly developing, although Wirtz is more of a creative midfielder than a direct replacement for Kroos. Wirtz currently ranks among the top ten highest-valued players globally, with a valuation of €130 million.

Another central defender is needed

Currently, Jesús Vallejo is Madrid’s fourth-choice center-back, but Carlo Ancelotti has often relied on Aurélien Tchouaméni to fill in when necessary. Alaba’s recovery has been slow, casting further doubt on his availability. With no clear return date in sight, Madrid are actively scouting for a young, affordable, and promising defender, similar to recent signings.

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Potential targets include Vitor Reis, an 18-year-old from Palmeiras, and Yarek Gasiorowski, 19, from Valencia. Both fit the profile of young talents the club seeks to develop.

Additionally, Jonathan Tah, a 28-year-old center-back from Bayer Leverkusen, is another possibility. Tah’s contract expires this summer, and his agent, Pini Zahavi, was the one who brought Alaba to Madrid under similar circumstances.