Following the heavy defeat to Benfica, Real Madrid has made a decisive move regarding its medium-term recruitment strategy by targeting two priority profiles. Additionally, the future of Álvaro Arbeloa has also been determined.
The tough times at Real Madrid could lead to lasting repercussions. After several internal meetings, the management and coaching staff now agree on the need for precise adjustments. Two positions are particularly in focus at Valdebebas: central defender and defensive midfielder, deemed priorities given the shortcomings observed since the start of the season.
While Florentino Pérez and his team want to keep their cool, the debacle against Benfica has reignited concerns that the departures of Xabi Alonso and the beginnings of Álvaro Arbeloa seemed to have calmed. Nevertheless, Real Madrid does not plan to stray from its short-term guidelines, despite urgent calls for immediate reinforcements. Internally, the diagnosis is clear: the team lacks profiles capable of providing more control in the game and physical impact.
The club remains very reluctant to intervene during the winter transfer window, despite several proposals received in recent days. Some players, particularly in defense, are seen as nearing the end of their cycle and could be living their last months in the merengue jersey. In midfield, the strategy remains unchanged: prioritize talents under 20 years old, unless an exceptional opportunity arises in the free agent market. Vitinha, seen as a dream signing in Madrid, has unanimous support on the sporting side, but PSG’s stance complicates the situation significantly.
Other options are being explored, including a move for Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar. As for Álvaro Arbeloa, his future will depend directly on the upcoming results, as he has lost some credibility with his squad this week. Despite the challenging period, the club advocates patience and assures that no contact has been made with another coach. Real Madrid intends to give its new manager time while actively preparing for major maneuvers next summer. Without talking about a “major overhaul,” a term considered excessive internally, the goal is clear: return to the forefront quickly.
