Real Madrid’s 2025 Summer Transfer Window
Real Madrid entered the 2025 summer transfer window with urgency and ambition. After a trophyless season and the departure of two club legends, change was inevitable. With Xabi Alonso stepping in as head coach and several aging players moving on, Los Blancos shifted their focus to youth, versatility, and defensive solidity. The result? A well-rounded transfer window that addressed key weaknesses and offered a glimpse into the club’s next chapter.
A Fresh Start Under Xabi Alonso
After a disappointing 2024–25 campaign and a quiet January window, Real Madrid turned the page this summer. With club legend Xabi Alonso taking over from Carlo Ancelotti, the Spanish giants launched a bold rebuild focused on youth, depth, and defensive stability. The result? Four major signings, a revamped backline, and a squad ready to usher in a new era at the Bernabéu.
Best Signing: Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen, just 20, has already cemented himself as Madrid’s top center back. Signed from Bournemouth for £50 million, the Spaniard brings calm, intelligence, and elite passing range to a defense that leaked 83 goals last season. His ability to spray long balls and dictate tempo has drawn comparisons to Toni Kroos. While his aggression still needs refining, Huijsen’s impact has been nothing short of transformative
Biggest Surprise: Mastantuono
Franco Mastantuono wasn’t on many radars for Madrid this summer—until he was. The 18-year-old Argentine playmaker looked destined for PSG or Man City, but Los Blancos swooped in and triggered his €45 million release clause. It’s unclear how he’ll fit once Jude Bellingham returns, but in his first few appearances, the former River Plate star has already shown flashes of brilliance.
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Statement Signing: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing move of the window was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s €10 million transfer from Liverpool. The England international immediately addressed a glaring weakness at right back and brought world-class pedigree to the squad. Impressively, he spoke fluent Spanish at his unveiling and has quickly slotted into the starting XI, edging out veteran Dani Carvajal.
Biggest Departure: Luka Modrić
After 13 trophy-laden years, Luka Modrić’s time at Real Madrid has come to an emotional end. The club’s most decorated player departed on a free transfer to AC Milan, just one year after Toni Kroos’s retirement. Though Modrić hoped to stay, Madrid chose to prioritize youth. His departure marks the end of an iconic midfield era—and leaves a leadership void yet to be filled.
Álvaro Carreras Completes Defensive Overhaul
In a move that flew under the radar, Madrid added Álvaro Carreras from Benfica for €50 million. The 22-year-old fullback helped complete the backline rebuild Alonso craved. Carreras adds balance, pace, and depth on the flanks—a crucial addition considering last season’s defensive frailties and overreliance on makeshift options like Valverde and Vázquez.
Quiet on the Outgoing Front
One area where Real Madrid came up short was managing departures. Despite diminished roles under Alonso, neither David Alaba nor Dani Ceballos left the club. That decision could affect squad harmony and wage flexibility going forward. Meanwhile, key exits like Lucas Vázquez, Jesús Vallejo, and Reinier were mostly free transfers with little financial return.
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Midfield Gaps Still Loom
Despite the strong signings, Madrid didn’t replace the experience of Modrić or Kroos in midfield. The club reportedly passed on available options in the market, opting to trust its current core. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen—especially if injuries strike or the younger players struggle to step up under pressure.
A Promising Window With Few Regrets
Real Madrid moved quickly and efficiently this summer. By mid-July, Alonso had all his top targets—Huijsen, Alexander-Arnold, Carreras, and Mastantuono—in place. The club addressed its most pressing issues without succumbing to panic buys or bloated contracts. While a midfield signing and more sales would have been ideal, it’s hard to argue with the overall outcome.
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