Transfers

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has three new signings to work with already in defenders Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as Argentinian phenom Franco Mastantuono in the playmaker role. These are three potentially world-class signings, but they still don't solve all the problems Real Madrid have after a poor summer 2024 transfer window in which Florentino Perez rested on his laurels with only Kylian Mbappe as an addition - and in the one area that wasn't remotely a weakness. Real Madrid still need midfield controllers and a No. 9 who can play a more traditional striker role to bring extra goals, but their biggest remaining weakness is easily at the left back position. Ferland Mendy's injury woes have caused a precipitous decline, while Fran Garcia has shown that he...

The Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid got off to a predictably rough start on Wednesday afternoon in the United States, as the Merengues could only muster a 1-1 draw against Simone Inzaghi's Saudi Pro League giants, Al-Hilal. Real Madrid were outplayed for vast stretches of the game, and a familiar issue cropped up for the team in this Club World Cup opener; Real Madrid failed to have any real control over the game. It will take some time for the Royal Whites to adapt to Alonso's coaching style and shake off the bad habits of the last season under Carlo Ancelotti, but it will also take a few more key signings in order for Real Madrid to have the right squad for its new coach after going trophyless in the 2024/25 season. Real Madrid have already added a new right back in Trent Alexand...