Xabi Alonso Faces Midfield Challenge as Real Madrid Stays Quiet in Winter Window.

Xabi Alonso

As the January 2026 transfer window approaches, Real Madrid fans hoping for reinforcements will be disappointed. Reliable sources, including Marca, COPE, and The Athletic, confirm that the club has no plans to make any first-team signings this winter.

This decision comes despite ongoing struggles in midfield following the departures of Toni Kroos (retired in 2024) and Luka Modrić (left in summer 2025).

Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić

Xabi Alonso, who took the helm in June 2025 after succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, requested a new midfielder to boost rotation and competition. However, the board has firmly rejected this, trusting the current squad to compete on all fronts. Real Madrid’s historical reluctance for major January moves their last significant winter signing was in 2019 holds firm.

The midfield void left by Kroos and Modrić masters of control, vision, and tempo remains a glaring issue. Alonso must once again turn to internal options:

  • Jude Bellingham: The dynamic engine, often pushed forward but capable deeper.
  • Federico Valverde: Relentless energy and long-range threat.
  • Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga: Defensive solidity with progressive passing.
  • Arda Güler: Being transitioned into a deeper role, showing promise as a creative force.
  • Dani Ceballos: Reliable backup with technical quality.

Youth integration and tactical tweaks will be key, much like Alonso’s successful adaptations at Bayer Leverkusen.

While minor outgoings (like a potential loan for Endrick) are possible, incoming deals are off the table unless circumstances drastically change. Eyes are already on summer 2026, with potential repurchases like Nico Paz from Como and targets for a true tempo-dictator.

Under pressure from inconsistent results trailing in La Liga and facing tough Champions League tests Alonso‘s ability to maximize this group will define the season. At the iconic Santiago Bernabéu, the focus shifts from the market to the training pitch.