Real Madrid Eyes Star-Studded January 2026 Shopping Spree
Should Real Madrid desire to mount a genuine challenge for La Liga glory or Champions League success, they might consider strengthening their roster during the January window.
Following a 2024–25 campaign that ended without silverware, Los Blancos secured Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono for the Bernabéu last summer. However, Xabi Alonso's squad sits four points behind Barcelona in La Liga and has endured Champions League setbacks against Liverpool and Manchester City.
Fitness problems and lackluster displays have highlighted two critical weaknesses for Real Madrid. The 15-time European titleholders have historically shown minimal enthusiasm for winter window acquisitions, yet pressure is building across the Spanish capital for additions that could restore the club to championship-winning form.
Below are the positions Los Blancos might reinforce in January, along with their potential recruitment targets.
Additional Center Back
Real Madrid face a strikingly familiar situation to last January—desperately requiring a center back. Éder Militão suffered a biceps femoris tendon rupture in his left leg on Dec. 7 and won't return until April.
David Alaba, meanwhile, continues his cycle of treatment room visits, rarely staying healthy for more than several weeks before another setback forces him back to recovery. The Austrian has managed only 145 minutes under Alonso.
Antonio Rüdiger faces comparable fitness challenges. The 32-year-old was sidelined for over two months at the beginning of 2025–26 with a hamstring problem, occurring three months after his return from knee surgery.
Los Blancos are therefore left with only Huijsen and Raúl Asencio at center back. Alonso's preferred situation would involve having additional depth to prevent relying on makeshift options Aurélien Tchouaméni and Carreras.
Key Targets
Early in the season, Liverpool center back Ibrahima Konaté was favored to follow Alexander-Arnold's path, swapping his red jersey for white. However, Real have reportedly withdrawn from pursuing the Frenchman due to his worrying dip in performance.
The club is now monitoring another Premier League star in Marc Guéhi. The Crystal Palace defender's calmness, adaptability and physical attributes make him an ideal match for a Real Madrid side expected to release both Rüdiger and Alaba when the season concludes.
Should the Spanish powerhouse want Guéhi in January, or Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano, they would need to invest significantly, something the club has recently avoided. A more realistic acquisition of either defender would occur in summer, when both become free agents.
A more affordable, immediate alternative is Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande. From his explosive speed and combative approach to his aerial supremacy, the 22-year-old brings a dynamic, physical package that would address Huijsen's limitations. The bonus? The Ivory Coast international reportedly carries only a €25 million ($29.3 million) valuation.
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Real Madrid parted ways with Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić in consecutive seasons without replacing either legend. Indeed, the club hasn't recruited a first-team midfielder since Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham arrived at the Spanish capital in 2023.
Despite Alonso's efforts, Turkey international Güler struggles in a withdrawn position and is no more Kroos's heir than Bellingham. For all their defensive qualities, Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga are hardly midfield orchestrators.
Los Blancos lack someone capable of commanding matches from the center of the pitch. No one who sets the tempo, delivers defense-splitting passes or generates opportunities from deep positions. After addressing their defensive concerns, the club's next objective is finally acquiring a deep-lying playmaker.
Key Targets
Earlier in the summer, Manchester City star Rodri represented an aspirational signing for Real Madrid. The 2024 Ballon d'Or recipient has the awareness, defensive capabilities and tactical understanding Alonso's midfield desperately needs.
However, the Spaniard's recent injury troubles dropped him down Los Blancos' target list, making Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton a primary candidate. The England international's pace-controlling influence and forward-thinking distribution would revolutionize the Spanish giants' struggling midfield, though his anticipated £100 million ($134.7 million) price tag poses a significant obstacle.
Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller, who was connected with a Spanish capital move last summer, remains under consideration. The German attracted the club's attention following his outstanding 2024–25 season where he led his team in passes, progressive passes and assists.
The player who might surpass all potential candidates, however, is former Real Madrid academy product Nico Paz. The 21-year-old is displaying brilliant form at Como, where he has enhanced his creativity, ball-carrying and goal-scoring skills to become one of football's most promising young prospects. Paz could be the ideal candidate to rejuvenate Los Blancos' midfield, and he's available for just a €9 million ($10.6 million) buy-back fee.