Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hierarchy already had doubts about Arbeloa even before appointment
Real Madrid are staring at another season without any major trophies, which is set to spark some notable changes at the club in the coming months.
New player arrivals are already being planned while the Spanish capital club are also considering the idea of making changes to their medical department in light of the number of injuries.
In all likelihood, there will also be a new manager at the club, with Alvaro Arbeloa expected to be shown the doors after less than six months in charge of the first team.
Arbeloa’s appointment came with concerns
Now, according to The Athletic, the Real Madrid hierarchy had doubts and concerns about Arbeloa taking over as the first-team manager even before his appointment.
Indeed, a number of members of the club administration, including president Florentino Perez, were worried about the former defender’s readiness to step into the role.
After all, Arbeloa had never coached at the highest level and his only experience was with the club’s youth teams and half a season with Castilla, Real Madrid’s reserve team.
Now, those doubts have only gotten stronger given how the team has failed to deliver under the club icon, while there are growing reports about unrest in the locker room.
Nevertheless, sources close to the club continue to insist that they will proceed with caution and the need for any changes will only be assessed at the end of the season before making any major decisions.
As things stand, though, everything suggests that Arbeloa’s time at the Santiago Bernabeu is set to come to an end, with replacements already being lined up.
Even though Real Madrid have strengthened their defensive line significantly over the past two summers, they are still looking for more reinforcements.
Jose Mourinho was already pushing for another centre-back signing this past summer despite signing Ibrahima Konate. But Raul Asencio’s refusal to leave meant that there was no other addition made.
However, heading into 2027, Los Blancos intend to sign another centre-back, given that Antonio Rudiger’s contract expires at the end of the season and is unlikely to be renewed.
Moreover, Eder Militao’s continued fitness issues are also a cause of concern, prompting the Merengues to explore the possibility of bringing in another centre-half.
And, as already reported, Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen has emerged as an option for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid regularly scouting Quansah
Building on that, journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany reports that Real Madrid have been regularly scouting Quansah this season.
It goes to further underline that the Spanish capital side seem to hold a genuine interest in the 23-year-old England international, who can play both at centre-back and right-back.
Quansah has become a permanent fixture in the defensive line at Leverkusen since his move to the Bundesliga from Liverpool in 2025.
The young defender was also a part of the England national team that finished third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and has nine caps for the Three Lions.
Stiff competition for Quansah
However, as per the report, Real Madrid are not the only club showing an interest in Quansah.
Indeed, Premier League champions Arsenal and fellow London club Chelsea are also closely monitoring the 23-year-old England international at Leverkusen.
Moreover, Quansah’s boyhood club, Liverpool, are also keeping a close eye on his development. After all, the Reds have a buyback clause worth €70 million for their academy product, which is valid until 15 June 2027.
A promising, young defender with plenty of potential and room for development, Quansah can be an exciting long-term addition for Real Madrid.
However, as per reports, some within the club hierarchy believe that the team could do with more experienced options to bolster the backline. So, it remains to be seen how things progress and whether the interest in Quansah develops into an offer.
