Real Madrid Plans for Defensive and Midfield Reinforcements

A Strategic Overhaul

Real Madrid executed a plan last summer aimed at overhauling their defense, addressing issues they faced previously, while also bringing in Franco Mastantuono. As the club looks ahead to next season, there are indications that additional enhancements to the defensive lineup are likely, alongside potential changes in midfield.

Youthful Direction

The upcoming strategy at Real Madrid involves further lowering the average age of the squad. This follows the departures of veterans Luka Modric (40) and Lucas Vazquez (33), and the arrivals of younger talents such as Dean Huijsen (20), Mastantuono (18), Alvaro Carreras (22), and Trent Alexander-Arnold (27), as reported by Diario AS. Additionally, both Antonio Rudiger (32) and David Alaba (33) may also be moving on when their contracts come to an end next year.

Midfield Aspirations

Reports indicate that Real Madrid plans to infuse youth into their midfield as well, beginning with the acquisition of Chema Andres. The 20-year-old, who was developed in the Castilla ranks, moved to Stuttgart last summer, where he has quickly established himself as a key player in the Bundesliga. Recent news suggests that Real Madrid is considering whether to activate a €13 million buyout option for him, which escalates to €18 million in the subsequent year.

Re-signing and Player Transition

Initially, Real Madrid sold Andres for €3.5 million but has reportedly decided to reclaim him, according to AS. Another player whose contract is up next summer is Dani Ceballos (29). The plan seems to be for Andres to step into Ceballos’ role, providing depth and rotation options in the midfield.