Real Madrid’s $195 million doubt: four recent signings already under scrutiny
The new coach will be in charge of revitalizing the futures of the 2025 arrivals: Trent, Carreras, Huijsen and Mastantuono.
Real Madrid poured roughly $195 million into four headline signings during the summer of 2025 — and now, every one of them is facing closer examination after an underwhelming season.
The club invested heavily in Franco Mastantuono, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras, and Trent Alexander‑Arnold, hoping to secure the next generation of stars. Instead, the returns have been shaky, and with a new coach set to arrive, none of their futures look guaranteed.
Franco Mastantuono: The $68 Million Project Losing Steam
The priciest of the four, Mastantuono cost Real Madrid $68 million (about $49 million for his release clause plus another $19 million in taxes). The 18‑year‑old Argentine arrived as a can’t‑miss prospect and opened the season as a favorite of then‑coach Xabi Alonso.
But once Álvaro Arbeloa took over, Mastantuono’s minutes dwindled. He still logged 34 appearances and scored three goals, but the club now expects to send him out on loan this summer — ideally to another LaLiga team for closer monitoring. European loans remain an option, though Madrid’s past misfires with Reinier at Dortmund and Frosinone make the club wary.
Dean Huijsen: From Record Signing to Question Mark
Madrid paid $62 million to trigger Huijsen’s release clause at Bournemouth, making him the most expensive defender in club history. His calmness on the ball and his debut with Spain in March 2025 fueled huge expectations.
He started strong, but a rough outing in the September derby against Atlético — plus recurring injuries — derailed his momentum. Huijsen still managed 39 appearances and two goals, and given the uncertain health of Rüdiger and Militão, he’s the most likely of the four to stay put.
Álvaro Carreras: A $54 Million Return That Hasn’t Clicked
Carreras, a former Real Madrid academy player who left for Manchester United and later Benfica, cost the club $54 million. Madrid tried to negotiate the price down, but Benfica’s status as a publicly traded company meant the fee had to match the valuation set by the Portuguese club.
Like Huijsen, Carreras began brightly and even made Spain’s preliminary list for the 2026 World Cup. But a poor final stretch of the season — combined with competition from Ferland Mendy and the rise of Fran García — has put him under pressure. Carreras finished with 39 appearances and two goals, both against Valencia.
Trent Alexander‑Arnold: The Bargain That Hasn’t Paid Off
On paper, Trent was the cheapest signing: $12 million paid to Liverpool so he could join even though he was still under contract. Madrid wanted him on board early so that he would be available for the Club World Cup in the United States. He arrived as a free agent, with Madrid paying him a $22 million signing bonus.
But his first season has been defined by constant muscle injuries and defensive lapses caused by his trademark attacking surges. He played 30 matches without scoring and suffered another blow on Friday, when England coach Thomas Tüchel left him off the roster for the 2026 World Cup — a tournament Trent had been targeting.
What Happens Now?
With a new manager set to take over in Madrid, the futures of all four 2025 signings are suddenly uncertain. Loans, reduced roles, or even surprise rebounds are all on the table.
The only thing that’s clear: Real Madrid’s $195 million summer is under the microscope like never before.
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