Real Madrid News
Real Madrid decide to sign a new left-back in the summer – report
Planning for next season has already begun in earnest at Real Madrid after what has been a disappointing 2024/25 campaign despite there being some positives.
The elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Arsenal last night has shaken things up at Valdebebas, with the club now mulling over the changes and improvements needed to bounce back next term.
Replacing Carlo Ancelotti as manager appears to be a given at this point, but along with that, there will also be some additions to the squad.
New left-back to be signed
According to Melchor Ruiz of COPE, Real Madrid now intend to sign a new left-back in the summer transfer window before next season.
The club hierarchy is fully aware of the challenges faced this season and the areas in which the squad needs to be strengthened.
As is already well-established, Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to arrive to strengthen the right-back position while the Merengues also plan to sign a new centre-back and a midfielder.
Now, in addition to that, Real Madrid also aim to bring in a left-back after having given up on the idea of bolstering the position following top target Alphonso Davies’ decision to renew with Bayern Munich.
Neither Ferland Mendy nor Fran Garcia have been convincing enough at left-back. The former’s absence through injury prompted Carlo Ancelotti to use David Alaba in the position in the two games against Arsenal – a gamble that proved costly.
Given the situation, it makes sense that Real Madrid plan to bring in an upgrade in the position in the summer.
Who could be the targets?
Real Madrid might have missed out on Davies after he decided to continue at Bayern Munich by signing a new contract.
While the report does not mention a specific name that the club are targeting, there is no lack of options for the Spanish giants.
A move for former La Fabrica talent Miguel Gutierrez is being considered, given that Real Madrid can re-sign him from Getafe for just €8 million through a buyback clause.
AFC Bournemouth rising star Milos Kerkez has also been touted as a possible target while there has been tentative interest in PSG’s Nuno Mendes as well.
After three successive wins to start the season, a 1-0 loss to Real Betis came as a reality check for Real Madrid, who are still some way off matching the quality and consistency of Barcelona.
In light of the defeat, the Real Madrid coaching staff is analysing the best way to get the most out of the current setup.
More expected from Valverde
According to Defensa Central, one of the key conclusions drawn from the Betis defeat is that Real Madrid need greater involvement from Federico Valverde with the ball.
The Uruguayan has been deployed as the pivot, largely due to the absence of the injured Aurelien Tchouameni, but he is yet to make the step up in quality the team requires from that role.
While his effort and commitment are never in doubt, Mourinho and his staff, led by Sami Khedira, feel Valverde spends too much time positioned behind the opposition’s midfield line.
As a result, he fails to offer passing lanes to his teammates when they are under pressure, forcing them into hurried, aimless clearances rather than playing out cleanly from the back.
That concern has already been communicated to Valverde, who is still adapting to a position he has never truly played, making the challenge all the more difficult for him.
A collective issue to fix
However, the problem is not Valverde’s alone, with the coaching staff identifying a wider issue in the team’s structure.
Khedira has reportedly noted a certain passivity from the attackers in the videos of the match, particularly Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, when it comes to offering themselves as the ball transitions from midfield into attacking areas.
That lack of movement compounds the difficulties for the deeper midfielders.
Mourinho, for his part, remains unfazed by the departure of Rodri to Barcelona, insisting his squad has the tools to cope.
“I’m not missing Rodri. We have solutions, we have quality,” the Portuguese said, before adding that he backs his ability to improve players.
With a Champions League opener against Inter Milan on the horizon, Mourinho and his staff will be keen to iron out these issues quickly.
