Real Madrid sets its priorities in the transfer market

Real Madrid are looking to prioritize their squad in the upcoming transfer window, focusing on signing defenders and midfielders capable of dictating the tempo of matches, given the departure of several key players whose contracts expire in June . The Athletic reports that while the club doesn't typically make many signings mid-season, manager Xabi Alonso has already identified his priorities for strengthening the team since last summer, wanting more than the four signings the club ultimately made for around €180 million. Real Madrid are expected to sell some players before bringing in new faces, as the squad is nearly complete, including making decisions regarding the senior players whose contracts expire at the end of the season . According to the report, Antonio Rüdiger (32) and David Alaba (33) top the list of players whose contracts expire in June. Rüdiger's future is uncertain, while Alaba is expected to leave the club. With Hoesen, Éder Militão, and Raúl Asensio being established options, the club is looking for replacements to bolster their defense . In midfield, there is a growing consensus on the need for a player capable of controlling the tempo of the game, something the team has lacked since the departures of Toni Kroos in 2024 and Luka Modric last summer . Regarding potential targets, Real Madrid have denied pursuing Liverpool's Ibrahim Konaté, while Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is not a priority at the moment, according to reports. There have also been rumors linking the club with Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano, and all of these players are out of contract in June, a situation that typically appeals to the Spanish giants . In central midfield, players such as Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace were discussed last summer, with Nico Paz, who left the club in 2024 and has since developed under Como, also being monitored. Paz is likely to return in 2026, with a buy-back clause of around €9 million .