With the transfer window now done and dusted, The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the business conducted by Real Madrid this summer.

The 2024/25 season did not go as planned for Real Madrid, as they failed to win any major silverware. Despite having a world-class squad at his disposal, Carlo Ancelotti could not get things to click.

Following the disappointing campaign, Los Blancos decided to make significant changes, starting by parting ways with Ancelotti. While the Italian tactician had done wonders for the club in the past, Florentino Perez and the board felt it was time to bring in someone with fresh ideas.

As a result, they appointed former midfielder Xabi Alonso as their new manager. Given his impressive track record at Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid were confident he could restore their dominance in Spain and Europe.

However, a managerial change alone was not enough. The squad Alonso inherited had serious problems. Over the last two seasons, Ancelotti had been forced to deal with recurring defensive issues. Multiple key players suffered injuries, and he often had to deploy others out of position to compensate.

As a result, reinforcing the backline was one of the biggest priorities for the Merengues, and they seem to have done an exceptional job. While they did bring in some top-quality players, a few of their longest-serving players left the club.

Ins and outs

Throughout the transfer window, the biggest talking point was Rodrygo’s potential departure. The Brazilian has gone down the pecking order under Xabi Alonso. Reports suggested he was not willing to accept a rotational role and was keen on leaving the club.

Los Blancos were also ready to sanction his departure as long as their demands were met. But, in the end, things did not pan out as expected. The 24-year-old has ended up staying at the club and will certainly have an important role in the season ahead.

While there were too many departures, Real Madrid did part ways with two legendary figures in Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez. Despite his age, the Croatian international was still a key part of the team and had put in some exceptional performances off the bench last season.

But, Los Blancos decided it was time to move on from one of their greatest midfielders ever. While Vazquez was quite a useful member of their squad over the years, his performances were on the decline of late and letting him leave seems to be the right call.

Outs: Alvaro Rodriguez

Free Transfers Out: Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez, Reinier, and Jesus Vallejo

Loaned Out: Mario Martin

While Los Blancos did not make any significant changes to their previous squad in terms of departures, they certainly did sign a lot of top-quality players to address a few of their key issues. They pretty much got their hands on all the top stars they wanted to reinforce their squad.

Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and Trent Alexander-Arnold came in to add more quality and depth to their backline. Given how they had suffered under Ancelotti because of injuries to key defenders, these signings were just what the doctor had ordered.

Meanwhile, they snapped up yet another sensational young talent in Franco Mastantuono. The Argentine prospect joined Los Blancos the day he turned 18, and he has already given us a fair idea of the kind of talent he possesses with some impressive performances in the initial fixtures.

Ins: Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and Franco Mastantuono

Free Transfer In: Trent Alexander-Arnold (£10m fee to participate in Club World Cup)

Marquee Signing

Dean Huijsen

Real Madrid triggered Dean Huijsen’s £50 million release clause to sign the Spanish international from Bournemouth. While Trent Alexander-Arnold might be considered the marquee arrival this summer, Huijsen represents a massive investment in the club’s future.

Not only is he expected to be around for the long haul, but he is also set to play a significant role in the first team from the start. Alongside his ball-winning ability, physical presence, and excellent positioning, his composure on the ball and ability to build from the back, particularly with his long balls to wide players, make him a perfect fit for Alonso’s system.

Securing a world-class talent who was on the radar of several top English clubs is a major coup for Los Blancos. With Eder Militao suffering two ACL injuries in as many seasons and David Alaba struggling with fitness, reinforcing the backline was a top priority, and Real Madrid have landed one of the best young centre-backs available.

Value for Money Signing

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold was all set to run down his contract and join Real Madrid for free, but with Dani Carvajal still out injured, Los Blancos wanted the English international to be available for the Club World Cup. As a result, they struck a £10 million deal with Liverpool to sign him prior to the start of the global tournament.

Given his performances at the Club World Cup and Real Madrid’s run to the semi-finals, the club have already recouped their investment. With Dani Carvajal entering the final stage of his career, the Spanish giants have secured one of the best right-backs in the world to replace him going forward.

At just 26, Alexander-Arnold still has his prime years ahead, making him an absolute steal for Los Blancos. While they could have waited a little longer to sign him on a free, paying £10 million ensured he had extra time to settle into his new surroundings, and it also gave Alonso a few extra sessions to integrate the Englishman into his system.

Inevitable Departure

Luka Modric

Despite being 39, Modric was still a key figure at Real Madrid last season. Every time he took the field, the Croatian international made his presence felt. While Los Blancos could have handed him another extension, and he certainly had a few more years left in him, they had to eventually move on.

With a new manager coming in and a new system set to be implemented, the Spanish giants decided to place their trust in the younger players within their ranks, and it does seem to be the right call. Given how impactful Modric has already been at AC Milan in his initial weeks, it’s clear he could have still contributed at Real Madrid.

That said, the club’s decision was not about what Modric could still offer, but about shaping the future. Real Madrid are building towards the next era, and as painful as it is to part ways with a legend, sometimes the hardest decisions turn out to be the most necessary.

The Big Miss

A Midfield General

While Real Madrid boast plenty of quality in midfield, Xabi Alonso was reportedly keen on adding a new holding midfielder, someone who could sit deep, handle the defensive responsibilities, and also dictate play as a deep-lying playmaker.

Toni Kroos’s departure was already a massive blow for the team in white, and with Modric also leaving this summer, they no longer have a natural deep-lying playmaker. Aurelien Tchouameni excels defensively, and while Arda Guler is expected to grow into that role, there’s still a gap to be filled.

Another world-class option could certainly have helped Los Blancos. They were linked with Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace in recent weeks, and he remains a target for next summer. However, perhaps Real Madrid could have pushed harder to secure his signature this summer.

It would have required a significant financial outlay, but they could have managed it by cashing in on Rodrygo. A world-class midfielder will likely arrive at the Bernabeu soon, but it will be interesting to see whether it turns out to be Wharton or another top talent.

Verdict – 8/10

Real Madrid’s summer business was largely impressive, addressing key problem areas and setting the tone for the start of the Xabi Alonso era. The arrivals of Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and Trent Alexander-Arnold have significantly bolstered their backline, ensuring Alonso won’t face the same defensive headaches that plagued Carlo Ancelotti.

Add to that the signing of Franco Mastantuono, one of the brightest young prospects in world football, and Madrid not only strengthened for the present but also invested wisely in their future. While the departures of legends like Luka Modric marked the end of an era, Los Blancos were decisive in backing their younger stars.

That said, the one glaring gap remains in midfield. With both Kroos and Modric gone, Madrid lack a natural deep-lying playmaker, and while Tchouameni and Guler can help fill the void, another world-class option would have completed a near-perfect window.

The failure to push harder for Adam Wharton this summer could be something they look back on, but with the Englishman still on their radar, that situation might change soon. Overall, this was a strong window that gave Alonso the tools to implement his vision, leaving Madrid well-positioned to compete domestically and in Europe.