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The central midfield area has been a persistent problem for Real Madrid over the past two seasons.
Ever since Toni Kroos made his exit following the 2024 Champions League final, Los Blancos have been left with a void in their midfield—one that grew even larger when Luka Modrić departed a year later.
Current stars and emerging talent were expected to fill the void, but the legendary pair have proven nearly impossible to replace, and no combination of players has managed to function with the same coherence and consistency. Most critically, nobody in the current squad possesses the ability to control the game and orchestrate play from deep the way Kroos and Modrić did so masterfully for so many years.
With this summer offering a much-needed chance for reflection and rebuilding after a deeply frustrating campaign, Madrid are expected to turn to the transfer market to finally address one of the most glaring weaknesses in their squad.
Here are nine midfield targets Real Madrid could pursue when the transfer window opens.
Ranking Real Madrid's Midfield Targets
9. Vitinha
Flagged earlier this year as a dream target for Real Madrid, Vitinha is arguably the finest player in his position in world football and would be the perfect candidate to finally fill the void left by Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić.
That said, the 26-year-old Portuguese international is contracted to back-to-back Champions League finalists PSG until 2029 and is unlikely to push for a departure from one of the world's elite clubs.
This one remains firmly in fantasy territory.
Likelihood: 1/10
8. Nicolò Barella
Long regarded as one of the finest midfielders in the game, Barella may have just missed his window for a move to Real Madrid.
The Sardinian playmaker turns 30 next year and is tied to Inter Milan until 2029, making him an expensive proposition given his age despite his undeniable quality.
Only two players have recorded more assists in Serie A this season than Barella's tally of eight.
Likelihood: 3/10
7. Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton burst onto the scene in England during the 2023–24 campaign, after making the switch from his hometown club Blackburn Rovers to Crystal Palace. He secured a spot in England's Euro 2024 squad, played a key part in Palace's FA Cup triumph last season and has been instrumental in their run to the Conference League final this term.
A technically accomplished deep-lying midfielder with impressive ball progression numbers, Wharton draws clear comparisons to Kroos and Modrić. However, he remains untested at the very highest level and would command the typically inflated price tag associated with young English talent in the Premier League.
The weight of the fee and the burden of comparison to his predecessors could make this a risky move.
Likelihood: 4/10
6. Enzo Fernández
Once considered an unrealistic target earlier in the year, Fernández is beginning to look increasingly attainable as Chelsea continue to spiral into disarray.
The World Cup-winning midfielder has already faced an internal suspension after making comments about Madrid, while there are indications that Chelsea could be willing to sanction a summer sale.
The Argentine, who arrived at Stamford Bridge for a then-British record fee in 2023, would still command a hefty price tag, however.
Likelihood: 4.5/10
5. Rodri
The 2024 Ballon d'Or holder is widely regarded as the perfect acquisition for Madrid: a proven champion capable of dominating a midfield with both tenacity and creativity, while setting the standard for professionalism away from the pitch.
There is optimism at the Bernabéu that Rodri will seek a new challenge away from Manchester City this summer, a year before his contract runs out in 2027. However, several factors cast doubt on the likelihood of a transfer.
Reports have emerged suggesting the former Atlético Madrid midfielder could still agree to an extension at the Etihad Stadium.
Even if he were to push for a move, Rodri—who turns 30 in June—is no longer a long-term fix for Madrid, and there remain concerns over his physical fitness following his ACL injury last season.
Likelihood: 5/10
4. Bernardo Silva
After nine years, six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and one historic treble, Silva will depart Manchester City as a free agent this summer.
The 31-year-old still has plenty to offer and represents the kind of smart market opportunity Madrid are looking for, particularly given their pressing need for genuine leaders in the dressing room.
While his peak years may be in the rearview mirror, Silva remains a versatile, combative and technically outstanding player capable of operating across multiple midfield positions and is unlikely to demand a guaranteed starting role every week.
Reports indicate that agent Jorge Mendes has already offered his client's services to both Madrid and Barcelona.
Likelihood: 6/10
3. Kees Smit
Widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in European football, Smit made his senior Netherlands debut in March, having previously shone at the Under-19 European Championships where he finished as top scorer and claimed the Player of the Tournament award last summer.
Predominantly deployed in a deep-lying role for his club AZ Alkmaar and frequently compared in style to Barcelona's Pedri, former Madrid star Rafael van der Vaart has stated that Smit "will undoubtedly end up at Real Madrid or one of the biggest clubs in the world."
Some reports suggest he could be available for as little as €40 million ($47 million), though one potential stumbling block for Madrid is that the player himself is reportedly a lifelong Barcelona supporter.
Likelihood: 7/10
2. Alexis Mac Allister
Another of the Premier League's standout midfield performers in recent seasons, Mac Allister can operate in a double pivot or in a more advanced position, as he demonstrated at Brighton prior to his move to Liverpool.
The 27-year-old has endured a difficult season at Anfield amid the club's challenging transitional period and is reportedly open to a transfer. Liverpool, too, may be willing to part ways with Mac Allister for the right fee.
The club has yet to open contract extension discussions with the midfielder, whose current deal runs until 2028.
Likelihood: 7.5/10
1. Nico Paz
It appears all but certain that Madrid will activate a buyback clause to bring back 21-year-old Paz, who departed for Como in Serie A last summer.
The Argentine international has dazzled in Italy during his single season away from the Bernabéu, netting 12 goals as Cesc Fabregas's side push for Champions League qualification.
The only real question is where exactly Paz fits within this Real Madrid setup and whether the club envision him as a No. 10 or in a deeper midfield role.
His arrival is unlikely to be the sole midfield reinforcement of the summer.
Likelihood: 9.5/10