Real Madrid, under the new management of Xabi Alonso, is gearing up for a significant squad overhaul for the 2025/26 season, with five players facing uncertain futures at the Spanish club. Rodrygo, Endrick, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Ceballos are named by the AS newspaper as potential departures amid negotiations stirring the European transfer market. The changes come on the heels of the Club World Cup, with training set to resume on August 4, aiming to balance the squad, reduce high salaries, and make room for young talents. Rodrygo, the standout name on the list, awaits a direct conversation with Alonso to clarify his future, while Endrick may be loaned out to gain experience. Clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham are closely monitoring the situation, with offers potentially exceeding 100 million euros. The club’s board, led by Florentino Pérez, prioritizes strategic sales to fund new signings, amid pressure for results in La Liga and the Champions League.
Rodrygo emerges as the focal point of this transfer window. The Brazilian forward, signed in 2019, has amassed impressive stats but lost ground due to competition from Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
- Key aspects of Rodrygo’s situation:
- Market value set at 100 million euros, with potential for a reduced fee to facilitate deals.
- Interest from four Premier League clubs, with Arsenal and Tottenham leading the race.
- Desire to stay, contingent on guarantees of playing time.
Rodrygo awaits clarity in talks with coach
Rodrygo, at 24, faces the most challenging moment of his Real Madrid career. Despite 270 appearances, 68 goals, and 51 assists, the forward saw his playing time drastically reduced during the Club World Cup, totaling just 95 minutes. Xabi Alonso’s arrival fuels speculation, as the coach seeks a more dynamic attack, favoring profiles like Gonzalo García, who recently shone. The Brazilian has publicly expressed his wish to stay but ties it to a direct meeting with the new manager, scheduled in the coming days. Without alignment, a departure becomes likely, with the club open to negotiations to balance its finances.
Arsenal is the frontrunner, planning an investment of up to 90 million euros to bolster their attack alongside Bukayo Saka. Tottenham is pushing for a deal below the initial asking price, while Liverpool and Bayern Munich keep tabs, pending internal moves. Rodrygo’s track record, including two Champions League titles, boosts his market appeal, but lack of prominence may tip the scales.
- Clubs vying for Rodrygo:
- Arsenal: Prioritizes the Brazilian to strengthen their attack.
- Tottenham: Negotiates a lower transfer fee.
- Liverpool: Interest tied to a potential Luis Díaz exit.
- Bayern Munich: Considers him a secondary option.
🚨 Rodrygo has started talks with Tottenham. He is open to leaving Real Madrid, but he would prefer to join Liverpool over Spurs.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 28, 2025
(Source: @Ramon_AlvarezMM) pic.twitter.com/h384A9nPK0
Endrick seeks room amid competition
Endrick, the 18-year-old prospect from Palmeiras, struggles to cement his place at Real Madrid. With 21 goals in 82 games for his former club, he arrived with high expectations, but Gonzalo García’s rise and a recent injury have limited his chances. Alonso sees potential in the youngster but considers a loan the best path for his development to avoid stagnation on the bench. Endrick, however, prefers to stay, banking on a bigger role with potential attacking departures.
Valencia emerges as the likely loan destination, with talks well advanced. Italian clubs like Juventus, Milan, and Napoli have also inquired, while Newcastle’s 70-million-euro bid for a permanent transfer was rejected by Real Madrid’s board. His recovery from injury will be pivotal, with a return to training expected soon, shaping the club’s decisions.
Alaba and Mendy in defensive reshuffle
David Alaba, the 33-year-old Austrian defender, poses one of the biggest challenges in the overhaul. Holding the squad’s second-highest salary and a contract until 2026, Alaba is now the sixth-choice center-back behind Militão and Rüdiger. The board offered a mutual termination with partial payment, but he declined, insisting on honoring his deal. Saudi Arabian clubs are potential suitors, though no concrete progress has been made. His stay could limit investments in new defenders, a priority for Alonso to strengthen the backline.
Ferland Mendy, the French left-back, is also under scrutiny. With a contract until 2027, Mendy has slipped to third choice behind Fran García after recurring injuries and Álvaro Carreras’ arrival. Real Madrid is open to offers, seeking favorable deals to balance the books. The fierce competition at left-back and the need for squad rotation make his exit a real possibility, though the club may retain him as depth if no strong bids emerge.
- Key factors for Alaba and Mendy:
- Alaba: High salary and desire to stay complicate talks.
- Mendy: Injuries and competition drive transfer possibilities.
- External interest: Saudi Arabia for Alaba; European clubs for Mendy.
Ceballos faces midfield dilemma
Dani Ceballos, the Spanish midfielder, rounds out the list of uncertainties. Open to new opportunities for more playing time, Ceballos is constrained by the squad’s thin midfield options, worsened by Jude Bellingham’s temporary absence. Real Betis has shown interest but balks at the 20-million-euro asking price. Alonso values his versatility, but a search for a replacement could hasten an exit. The midfield’s delicate situation makes his stay more likely, at least until the window closes.
The player has openly stated his need for regular minutes, which could sway negotiations. With the overhaul underway, Real Madrid is scouting the market for midfield reinforcements to balance experience and youth.
Alonso’s influence on decisions
Xabi Alonso, a former player turned coach, is stamping his tactical vision on Real Madrid. Focused on intensity and renewal, the Spaniard aims for a younger, more dynamic squad, prioritizing talents like Arda Güler and Gonzalo García. Potential exits ease the wage bill, which exceeded 150 million euros in recent signings, enabling strategic investments. One-on-one talks with players, set for after August 4, will be crucial for the season’s planning.
With the 2026 World Cup looming, players are driven to secure playing time, whether at the Bernabéu or elsewhere. The transfer window promises to be lively, with Real Madrid at the heart of European dealings.
- Strategic shifts under Alonso:
- Youth focus: García and Güler gain prominence.
- Financial balance: Cutting high salaries like Alaba’s.
- Direct talks: Meetings to shape individual futures.
Transfer market movements
The European transfer market is buzzing with Real Madrid’s developments. Beyond the main names, players like Brahim Díaz are drawing interest from Arsenal and Tottenham. The Premier League stands out as the primary buyer, with clubs ready to invest heavily to bolster their squads. This mid-year window, one of the busiest in recent times, could reshape continental football, with Real Madrid steering the narrative.
- Market highlights:
- Premier League active: Arsenal and Tottenham lead pursuits.
- Endrick’s options: Loans in Spain and Italy.
- Global impact: Deals influence national team selections.
