Real Madrid have set out their priorities for the 2026 summer transfer window. Los Blancos are set to focus their recruitment efforts on two positions next year, where they believe they are looking a little short.

This past summer Real Madrid spent €165m on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono, strengthening their defence primarily. In spite of that, it remains a problem position due to injuries, with Dani Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao suffering significant injuries this season. In spite of that, Endrick Felipe’s exit is expected to be the only move that Los Blancos make in the January transfer window.

Real Madrid to sign another central defender

One of the established priorities for Real Madrid is the centre-back position, and Diario AS reaffirm that it continues to be on the agenda for next season. David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are out of contract, and the decision on the Austrian appears to be made – he will exit in the summer. Rudiger still has a chance to earn an extension, but even then, with Militao’s injury history, Real Madrid may be keen to start next season with five central defenders. One option that would be cheap (Real Madrid have a €8m buyback option) and is gaining ground is Como’s Jacobo Ramon, who left Los Blancos in the summer.

Real Madrid searching for ‘a brain’

However the new development is that Real Madrid will look for a central midfielder to direct matters in the middle of the pitch. Manager Xabi Alonso was in favour of a move for such a player last summer, and for some time it has been touted as a logical move following the exits of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. The club have, through the local media, maintained that the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham, there was enough quality to hold down the middle of the pitch.

It seems the club have had their mind changed by Los Blancos’ struggles this season. Linked in the summer, AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit is cited as one of the favourites for the position at Valdebebas. Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha would be their dream recruit, but is an option that looks almost impossible, due to his contract situation and PSG’s reticence to negotiate.