Real Madrid are going through a rough patch, and club president Florentino Perez isn't happy about it. After Xabi Alonso and the club reached a "mutual agreement" to part ways on Monday (January 12), just 232 days after he joined from Bayer Leverkusen, things are looking shaky at the Bernabeu.
Alvaro Arbeloa has stepped up from the reserve team to take charge. His first game didn't go well - Real lost 3-2 to second-tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey. Ouch. Now he faces his first La Liga test against Levante on Saturday with Real sitting four points behind Barcelona.
For most clubs, being four points off the top wouldn't be a crisis. But this is Real Madrid we're talking about. They haven't won a major trophy since their league and Champions League double in 2023/24, and that's simply not acceptable at this club.
The rumor mill is already spinning with talk of Jurgen Klopp potentially taking over in summer 2026. Sky Sports reports the job "holds a major appeal" for the former Liverpool boss. If Klopp does arrive, you can bet Perez will back him with some serious transfer activity.
The Defensive Upgrades
Thibaut Courtois will stay in goal - he's arguably the best keeper on the planet right now. But the defense needs work. Antonio Rudiger's contract expires in 2026, and Eder Militao can't stay fit.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is the target. The 25-year-old England international has 26 caps and led Palace to the 2024/25 FA Cup. He can negotiate with foreign clubs right now, making him a bargain option. The competition is fierce though - Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich all want him, with City leading the race.
Left-back Alvaro Carreras arrived from Benfica last summer and should keep his spot. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal provide options on the right.
The Midfield and Attack Makeover
Real have plenty of midfield talent with Bellingham, Valverde, Camavinga and others. But they want a top-class defensive midfielder. PSG's Fabian Ruiz is the priority according to Sports Illustrated. The 29-year-old won Euro 2024 with Spain and helped PSG to a treble last season. He's contracted until 2027, so PSG won't let him go cheap.
Up front, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo might stay. But if either leaves, Bayern's Michael Olise could arrive. The French winger has bagged 32 goals and 40 assists in 82 games for Bayern since joining from Palace. He'd cost over £100 million though, and Manchester City and Liverpool are also circling.
The big one? Erling Haaland. Football Espana reports Real "dream" of signing the Norwegian striker this summer. Sky Germany claims Perez is in regular contact with Haaland's agent. Sure, Haaland is contracted to Manchester City until 2034, but when Real Madrid come calling, players listen. We're talking a world-record fee north of £200 million here.
For bettors, this summer rebuild could completely transform Real's title odds for 2026/27. If even two of these signings happen, Los Blancos would instantly become favorites for both La Liga and the Champions League. Keep an eye on the transfer rumors - they'll significantly impact how bookmakers price Real Madrid next season.
Will all four signings happen? Probably not. But one thing's certain - Perez will spend big this summer to restore Real Madrid's dominance.
