Over the last few years, Real Madrid have emerged as one of the best-run football clubs in the world. Although not completely infallible, as the Yoro operation made it clear, the Merengues still approach the planning of the squad in a very steady manner, and there are very few events that can make them take emergency measures.
However, according to Diario AS, the last few months have significantly altered the market plans of Los Blancos. Previously, Real Madrid were working only on the signing of Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich, an operation on which they have been working for the last two years.
But the retirement of Toni Kroos, the serious injury suffered by Dani Carvajal, and the uncertain nature of David Alaba’s recovery from his injury have led to Merengues to significantly change their plans, as they are now prioritising the signing of a central midfielder, a centre-back, and a right-back.
With Dani Carvajal, who is already 32 years of age and with a very long recovery road ahead of him, and Lucas Vazquez, who even older than Carvajal at 33 years of age, their only options at the right flank, there is a serious need to strengthen this position going forward.
The Liverpool fullback Trent Alexander Arnold is emerging as one of the favourite candidates for Real Madrid for this position, but with his contract coming to an end next year, he is likely to attract the attention of several other big European clubs. Real Madrid will try to incorporate him to replace Carvajal, but will not enter any race with other clubs, as they also have some other options under consideration.
In the midfield, the Merengues have the PSG midfielder Vitinha as their preferred target. However, he has a contract till 2027 with the Parisians and, being a key part of Luis Enrique’s team, getting him out of the Qatar-owned club would be very difficult. Jorge Mendes being his agent can also create a further obstacle in Real Madrid’s pursuit of the player.
Another midfielder who has been linked with Los Blancos for quite some time now is Florian Wirtz, but he also has a contract till 2027 with Bayer Leverkusen, and his profile does not exactly match that of Toni Kroos.
For the centre-back position, Real Madrid are two young options in mind, Yarek Gasiorowski and Vitor Reis. Jonathan Tah is another experienced option who can attract the Merengues, as his contract is ending at the end of this season.