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Five key issues Real Madrid cannot ignore ahead of the next campaign
Real Madrid are heading into one of their most defining transfer windows in recent memory, with sweeping changes expected across multiple areas of the club.
After a campaign that has left both supporters and decision-makers unconvinced, there is now a strong internal acceptance that the current squad no longer meets the elite standards historically associated with the Santiago Bernabeu.
There is a growing sense that the team lacks the depth, balance, and competitive edge that once made them untouchable in Europe.
Concerns have not only been directed at performances on the pitch but also at the long-term planning behind the scenes.
Recruitment decisions in recent windows have come under scrutiny, with several arrivals failing to deliver at the expected level.
As a result, the club is already laying the groundwork for a major reset ahead of the 2026/27 season – one that could reshape the identity of the squad.
Coaching future in serious doubt
One of the most pressing issues revolves around the managerial position. The current project under Alvaro Arbeloa appears to be hanging by a thread, with the Champions League seen as the ultimate benchmark for continuity.
With expectations not being met, a change on the bench looks increasingly inevitable. Within the upper hierarchy, discussions have already taken place regarding potential successors.
In that regard, two names stand out prominently, namely, Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino, both of whom have long been admired internally and previously approached.
Another option under consideration is Didier Deschamps. However, his situation presents complications, particularly due to his commitments with the French national team and the timing of a potential arrival after the World Cup, which could disrupt pre-season preparations.
Defensive reinforcement already in motion
On the recruitment front, strengthening the backline has emerged as a top priority. The club is actively pursuing a central defender capable of making an immediate impact while also offering leadership qualities.
Among the standout candidates is Nico Sclotterbeck, whose contractual situation has alerted several European giants.
While he has extended his deal with Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid are still closely monitoring developments.
Another name firmly on the radar is Ibrahima Konate. Currently playing for Liverpool, the defender is yet to extend his contract with the Premier League side, although he confirmed recently that an agreement is close.
Midfield creativity becomes urgent necessity
Beyond defence, there is a clear need to inject creativity into midfield. The current setup lacks a player capable of dictating tempo and bringing structure in high-pressure situations.
The profile admired most closely resembles that of Vitinha, a technically gifted orchestrator who thrives in possession. However, alternatives are also being explored.
One such option is Enzo Fernandez, whose recent comments linking him to Madrid have stirred debate. Meanwhile, Rodri remains a highly valued candidate, although any potential deal would be complex given his importance at Manchester City.
There is also an openness within the club to identify emerging talent on the global stage, particularly with the upcoming international tournaments providing a platform for breakout stars.
Right-back position set for transition
Significant movement is also expected on the right flank of the defence. The future of Dani Carvajal is increasingly uncertain, with the possibility of a departure creating space for a new era in that position.
Highly-rated academy prospect Jesus Fortea is being lined up for a more prominent role. The young defender has attracted attention across Europe and is viewed as a long-term solution.
At the same time, Trent Alexander-Arnold could be given greater tactical responsibility within the system, although the club might the market should a strong opportunity arise.
Youth reinforcements ready to step up
In addition to new arrivals, Real Madrid are also set to reintegrate promising young talents into the squad. Nico Paz and Endrick are both expected to return to the club and play more influential roles moving forward.
After gaining valuable experience during their respective development phases, the club believes the duo is ready to contribute meaningfully to the first team.
Real Madrid now find themselves at a crossroads. After years of dominance, particularly in European competition, the current cycle appears to be nearing its end.
The expectations, however, remain unchanged – to compete at the highest level across all competitions. Achieving that will require bold decisions, ruthless clarity, and a willingness to move on from those who no longer meet the club’s demands.
The derby weekend is here as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are set to lock horns on Sunday afternoon at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
After an eventful transfer window and a stuttering start, Atletico Madrid reaffirmed their position as genuine title contenders and have done decently well so far this season.
With four wins, a draw and a defeat to their name, they sit on 13 points after six games.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have only had one defeat and are on 15 points after as many games, only behind Barcelona who sit on a perfect record.
Diego Simeone’s men had a shaky start to the season, but have picked up steam in recent weeks with seven goals scored and none conceded in their last two games.
Given their strong record against Real Madrid at home, they will look to take all three points tomorrow.
Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid.
A test away from home
It is no secret that Real Madrid’s form on the road this season has been poor, not necessarily for the results themselves but how the team have conducted themselves in away grounds.
For the first time in years, there appears to be a sense of uncertainty around Los Blancos’ ability to produce results away from home.
For long periods in the game, they appear willing to hand over the momentum, and the resultant pressure has seen them collapse.
A last-gasp winner from Carlos Espi handed them the win against Espanyol away from home, and they went on to lose against Real Betis in their second away fixture of the season.
Most recently, they bottled a 2-0 lead against Elche and again required a stoppage-time winner from Espi to take the three points.
Tomorrow’s game, in that sense, is extremely challenging, for it is not only away from home but against an opposition of high quality.
Playing Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano is as challenging as games get, and Real Madrid have an extremely poor record at the venue.
Since 2017, Real Madrid have only won twice at the Metropolitano with three defeats and three draws. Last season, they suffered a 5-2 defeat and the game went on to break the team’s momentum.
Heading into such a tricky clash with an ongoing crisis away from home makes Sunday’s clash very complicated for the Merengues.
Arda Guler has to return
After a long time, Jose Mourinho took the Yan Diomande experiment to the next level and handed the player back-to-back starts for Real Madrid.
Clearly, the new signing still has a long way to go in terms of his adaptation, but he has been promising as an attacking outlet in his few appearances.
Diomande started both against Rayo Vallecano and Elche, but there is a strong case to drop him for the Madrid derby and play Arda Guler instead.
The Turkish international was on the bench against Rayo Vallecano and played as a No. 10 against Elche, with Jude Bellingham rested. Now, with the Englishman set to return, the manager has a decision to make.
Mourinho has made it clear that he wishes to ease Diomande into Real Madrid’s dynamics to reduce the pressure on his shoulders. Fielding him from the start in a derby would contradict that idea.
Beyond that, however, Guler has shown far more utility and promise as an attacking and creative outlet than Diomande, making the right-wing decision quite clear for the manager.
Real Madrid with and without Guler have been two completely different stories this season, and the team will require every last bit of creative inspiration that he has in him to get past Atletico Madrid tomorrow afternoon.
There is also a case for Brahim Diaz to be brought in, and the Moroccan star is also probably ahead of Diomande on the pecking order. Guler, however, stands out as a top option even ahead of Brahim.
Eyes on Vinicius Jr.
For years, Vinicius Jr. has always utilised the big stages to make his statements, for he has been a player to speak through performances and not words.
For instance, he scored a stunning solo goal last season against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup at a time when he was least expected to do so. At that point, he had not scored in 16 straight games, but the big moment called out to him.
It is clear that the Brazilian is not going through his best moment right now once again. The past few weeks have been hard on him, especially after he did well at the World Cup and returned to Madrid with higher expectations on him.
So far this season, Vinicius has only scored one goal in seven games. Beyond the goals, however, he has not looked like his usual threatening self on the flank and has not created half as many chances as he usually would.
Such is the player’s situation that his place in the team is being called into doubt for the first time in years. After all, Yan Diomande can play on the left and showed glimpses of his ability in the previous game.
All eyes, thus, will be on Vinicius on Sunday to see if he can step up to the occasion and make his presence felt when it really matters. He has always been one for the big stage, and tomorrow’s stage is the biggest yet this season.
