Real Madrid returned from vacation on Monday, August 4, 2025, starting a brief 15-day preseason before their LaLiga debut against Osasuna on August 19. Under Xabi Alonso’s leadership, the club faces pressure to refine the squad after a 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinal on July 9. With Brazilian stars Vini Jr, Rodrygo, and Endrick facing uncertain situations, the Spanish coach must tackle contractual, tactical, and medical issues to restore the team’s competitiveness. The return marks an intense period, with only one friendly scheduled against Austria’s WSG Tirol on August 12. The short preparation and the need to integrate stars like Mbappé and Bellingham make Alonso’s task even more complex.
The PSG defeat exposed weaknesses in attack and defense, increasing scrutiny on the new coach, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti. The transfer window, open until late August, may bring changes, particularly for Rodrygo, whose future at the club remains unclear.
- Key challenges for Xabi Alonso:
- Adjust Vini Jr and Mbappé’s positioning in attack.
- Define Rodrygo’s role, as he seeks a starting spot.
- Ensure recovery for Endrick and other injured players.
- Prepare the team in just two weeks for LaLiga.
The club also faces a medical department overhaul after repeated injuries last season and pressure for immediate results in a tight schedule.
Contract renewals and negotiations in focus
Vini Jr, a cornerstone of Real Madrid, faces a pivotal moment off the pitch. With his contract running until 2027, the Brazilian is negotiating an extension until 2030, but talks are stalled. Earning 17 million euros per season, he seeks bonuses to approach the club’s 20-million-euro salary cap. The lack of progress since early 2025 reflects caution from both sides, with Vini Jr holding off to gain leverage over his future.
Interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, which previously approached him, has not resurfaced recently, but the possibility lingers. On the pitch, Vini faces high expectations after a subpar season, with eight goals and eight assists in 37 games, plus disciplinary issues. His partnership with Mbappé, who scored 44 goals in 2024/25, will be crucial for the attack’s success.
Rodrygo, meanwhile, faces critical weeks. With just 92 minutes played in the Club World Cup and limited starts, the former Santos player is not a priority for Alonso. His versatility, once an asset, now hinders him, as he competes with Vini Jr and young Turk Arda Guler on the left. The transfer market may bring developments, with potential offers around 100 million euros, but Rodrygo remains focused on earning a starting role.
Endrick’s bet on consolidation
At 19, Endrick is seen as a gem with growth potential but faces hurdles to establish himself at Real Madrid. A recurring thigh muscle injury, worsened during the U.S. preseason, will sideline him for initial training. Despite competition from Gonzalo García, who shone in the Club World Cup, both club and player rule out a loan move. The coaching staff believes Endrick can play as a center-forward or on the wings, adding versatility to the attack.
- Reasons for Endrick’s stay:
- Seven goals in 37 games last season, exceeding expectations.
- Perceived potential for growth in the main squad.
- Rejection of inquiries from Arsenal, Inter Milan, and Juventus.
- Desire to establish him as a key future asset.
The decision to keep him reflects confidence in his long-term project, but physical recovery is critical for him to secure minutes this season.
Tactical adjustments in the attack
Xabi Alonso’s biggest challenge is balancing the attacking sector, particularly between Vini Jr and Mbappé. In 2024/25, their lack of synergy was evident, contributing to a trophyless season and four losses to Barcelona in El Clásico. Vini Jr, a two-time Champions League winner, thrives on the left, where Mbappé also performs best. Attempts to play the Frenchman centrally last season yielded mixed results, with strong individual numbers but collective struggles.
The Club World Cup offered little insight, as Mbappé missed games due to gastroenteritis. When they played together against PSG alongside García, the result was disastrous. Alonso must quickly define how to position his stars, especially with Bellingham recovering from shoulder surgery and Endrick sidelined early on.
Defensive overhaul and medical staff
Real Madrid’s defense also faces issues. Recurring injuries to players like Éder Militão, Alaba, Carvajal, Mendy, and Rüdiger marked the previous season, undermining consistency. Militão, under contract until 2028, and Carvajal, back for the Club World Cup, are hopes for 2025/26. However, Asencio’s involvement in a legal scandal compromises squad depth.
- Steps taken by the club:
- Overhaul of the medical department to prevent injuries.
- Integration of newly signed defender Huijsen.
- Focus on full recovery for Militão and Carvajal.
- Planning to bolster defensive stability in LaLiga.
The medical staff overhaul addresses criticism over the squad’s physical preparation, which faltered at key moments. The debut against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu will be an immediate test for these changes.
Racing against time
With only 15 days of preseason, Real Madrid faces a tight schedule. LaLiga’s refusal to postpone the debut forced the club to accelerate preparations, against expert recommendations. Alex Phillips of FifPro noted that a month of rest and another for preparation is ideal, but the club has less than half that time. The friendly against WSG Tirol will be the only chance to test the squad before the season starts.
- Impacts of the short preseason:
- Risk of injuries due to insufficient conditioning.
- Limited time for Alonso’s tactical adjustments.
- Pressure for immediate results in LaLiga and Champions League.
- Need for quick adaptation of new signings.
The 2025/26 season will be pivotal for Real Madrid, competing in LaLiga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and Champions League. Xabi Alonso’s ability to resolve the Brazilian players’ situations, refine the attack, and strengthen the defense will determine the club’s success in the coming months.