Real Madrid Target Dynamic Midfield Duo in Bold 2026 Transfer Strategy
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has identified securing a new defensive midfielder as his top priority for the 2026 transfer window, with the club's hierarchy pinpointing both an ideal target and a budget-friendly alternative.
When it comes to a pure holding midfielder role, no player in Madrid's current roster can offer elite-level backup for French star Aurelien Tchouaméni. While Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are both competent understudies, they aren't viewed as natural fits for this position.
AS reports that Alonso has brought this gap to the attention of Santiago Bernabéu transfer decision-makers, who have committed to securing a new addition in 2026.
Leading their target list is Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. The 21-year-old has impressed at Selhurst Park and is drawing attention from multiple European clubs, which means his price tag will likely reach astronomical levels.
Palace are working to secure Wharton with an extended contract but may include an exit clause to enable a future move, though even this could exceed Madrid's financial comfort zone, prompting the scouting department to explore alternative options.
Wharton Joined on Shortlist by Former Real Madrid Player
Should Wharton prove too costly, Madrid are anticipated to bring back 20-year-old Chema Andrés, who has made an impression since his summer switch to Stuttgart.
Chema, who acknowledges parallels between his style and Manchester City's Rodri plus Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich, moved to Stuttgart for merely €3 million ($3.5 million), but Madrid retained a buyback option valued at €10 million and are likely to activate it next summer if Wharton remains unattainable.
He might return to Madrid alongside Como's Nico Paz. Los Blancos chose not to exercise their purchase rights on their former youth product this summer but have communicated their future intentions to the Argentina international, which involve bringing him back to Santiago Bernabéu in summer 2026.
Paz, an offensive midfielder, allegedly turned down a massive €70 million offer from Tottenham Hotspur this summer as he awaits his Madrid comeback, with the club able to pay only €9 million to activate their buyback provision in 2026. Should they delay until 2027, that amount increases to €10 million.