Five key issues Real Madrid cannot ignore ahead of the next campaign

Real Madrid are heading into one of their most defining transfer windows in recent memory, with sweeping changes expected across multiple areas of the club.

After a campaign that has left both supporters and decision-makers unconvinced, there is now a strong internal acceptance that the current squad no longer meets the elite standards historically associated with the Santiago Bernabeu.

There is a growing sense that the team lacks the depth, balance, and competitive edge that once made them untouchable in Europe.

Concerns have not only been directed at performances on the pitch but also at the long-term planning behind the scenes.

Recruitment decisions in recent windows have come under scrutiny, with several arrivals failing to deliver at the expected level.

As a result, the club is already laying the groundwork for a major reset ahead of the 2026/27 season – one that could reshape the identity of the squad.

Coaching future in serious doubt

One of the most pressing issues revolves around the managerial position. The current project under Alvaro Arbeloa appears to be hanging by a thread, with the Champions League seen as the ultimate benchmark for continuity.

With expectations not being met, a change on the bench looks increasingly inevitable. Within the upper hierarchy, discussions have already taken place regarding potential successors.

In that regard, two names stand out prominently, namely, Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino, both of whom have long been admired internally and previously approached.

Another option under consideration is Didier Deschamps. However, his situation presents complications, particularly due to his commitments with the French national team and the timing of a potential arrival after the World Cup, which could disrupt pre-season preparations.

Defensive reinforcement already in motion

On the recruitment front, strengthening the backline has emerged as a top priority. The club is actively pursuing a central defender capable of making an immediate impact while also offering leadership qualities.

Among the standout candidates is Nico Sclotterbeck, whose contractual situation has alerted several European giants.

While he has extended his deal with Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid are still closely monitoring developments.

Another name firmly on the radar is Ibrahima Konate. Currently playing for Liverpool, the defender is yet to extend his contract with the Premier League side, although he confirmed recently that an agreement is close.

Midfield creativity becomes urgent necessity

Beyond defence, there is a clear need to inject creativity into midfield. The current setup lacks a player capable of dictating tempo and bringing structure in high-pressure situations.

The profile admired most closely resembles that of Vitinha, a technically gifted orchestrator who thrives in possession. However, alternatives are also being explored.

One such option is Enzo Fernandez, whose recent comments linking him to Madrid have stirred debate. Meanwhile, Rodri remains a highly valued candidate, although any potential deal would be complex given his importance at Manchester City.

There is also an openness within the club to identify emerging talent on the global stage, particularly with the upcoming international tournaments providing a platform for breakout stars.

Right-back position set for transition

Significant movement is also expected on the right flank of the defence. The future of Dani Carvajal is increasingly uncertain, with the possibility of a departure creating space for a new era in that position.

Highly-rated academy prospect Jesus Fortea is being lined up for a more prominent role. The young defender has attracted attention across Europe and is viewed as a long-term solution.

At the same time, Trent Alexander-Arnold could be given greater tactical responsibility within the system, although the club might the market should a strong opportunity arise.

Youth reinforcements ready to step up

In addition to new arrivals, Real Madrid are also set to reintegrate promising young talents into the squad. Nico Paz and Endrick are both expected to return to the club and play more influential roles moving forward.

After gaining valuable experience during their respective development phases, the club believes the duo is ready to contribute meaningfully to the first team.

Real Madrid now find themselves at a crossroads. After years of dominance, particularly in European competition, the current cycle appears to be nearing its end.

The expectations, however, remain unchanged – to compete at the highest level across all competitions. Achieving that will require bold decisions, ruthless clarity, and a willingness to move on from those who no longer meet the club’s demands.

Real Madrid put up a performance to be proud of for the greater part of the game against Bayern Munich last week, especially taking into consideration the team’s poor form heading into the game.

In the end, however, an unnecessary red card and a late collapse undid all the work Los Blancos put in and saw them get eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in the quarterfinal stage.

Tomorrow night, they will take to the field for the first time since that elimination as they face Deportivo Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The atmosphere at the home stadium, needless to say, will not be a pleasant one given the team’s recent results but Alvaro Arbeloa’s men will be desperate to turn their situation around against the league’s 17th-placed side.

Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves.

And then there was one

Real Madrid’s season took a turn for the worse after the international break, one that has seen them virtually out of all competitions in a matter of weeks.

The UEFA Champions League and La Liga were the two remaining competitions in which Los Blancos were alive ahead of the last hiatus.

Having faced elimination from Europe against Bayern Munich over two legs, however, Real Madrid are now alive only in one competition – and that too seems to be a formality.

In that sense, Real Madrid’s season is all but over as they now have to play only the remaining league fixtures hoping for a miracle in the competition. Nine points behind Barcelona with seven games to go, the chances are near zero.

Los Blancos, in that sense, are set for another season without major trophies, setting a rather gloomy situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

There is hope for a miraculous turnaround in the league, but Barcelona are unlikely to go on a tilt and Real Madrid will have to play their remaining games in the competition with virtually no goals.

Worst run in a long time

Real Madrid’s form since returning from the international break has been despicable, so much so that the numbers take one back several years to find an equally poor run of form.

The Merengues have played four games since the return of club football after the break. Of them, they have somehow even failed to win a single game.

Barring a draw against Girona, all of Real Madrid’s games after the break have been defeats, leaving them winless in four straight games across all competitions.

To draw perspective on how poor that run is for the club, the last time they endured a comparable run of form was back in September to October of 2018 when they went five straight games without a win with four defeats under Julen Lopetegui.

The damage is indeed already done, and the four poor results have shut down all potential routes to a trophy. However, there is an urgent need to turn the situation around, at least for the club’s reputation.

Seven games remain in the season, and while there is nothing left to fight for, finishing with wins would be massive for the players, the management, and the administration.

Players on alert

The season may be complete in terms of the squad’s hunt for silverware, but there is a lot left for the players to play for – in fact possibly even more than before.

Real Madrid have seven games to go, but their inability to win a major title for the second straight season implies that massive changes are incoming in the summer.

Reports have already begun to float in about Los Blancos’ revamp and how the administration is looking to trim the squad by doing away with players who are not living up to the billing.

No one, on that front, is safe and every game from this point will be an audition for every player representing the club’s crest for a place in the squad next season.

The likes of Ferland Mendy, Fran Garcia, Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga, and Brahim Diaz are some of the names that stand out as players who may potentially be forced out who will all look to step up.

Beyond the aforementioned list too, however, it is safe to say that very few Real Madrid players, if any, are truly safe. There is, thus, a lot to play for from the players’ perspective as they head into the final run of the season.

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