Real Madrid’s transfer overhaul leaves midfield dilemma unresolved after Rodri move

Real Madrid have completed 24 transfer-related moves during one of their busiest summer windows in recent years, but the club’s extensive rebuilding programme has not answered its most important footballing question: who will lead the midfield following Toni Kroos’ retirement?

The figure, reported by Marca, includes signings, contract renewals, departures, sales and loan deals. The latest developments were the arrival of Yan Diomande, the extension of Vinicius Junior’s contract and Franco Mastantuono’s loan move to Fiorentina.

Further activity is expected before the transfer window closes, with the number of moves likely to pass 25. However, the central issue remains whether Real Madrid have solved the problem in midfield that has existed since Kroos ended his playing career.

Rodri appeared to be the ideal answer, but the deal collapsed at the final stage when the Manchester City player chose to join Barcelona. Real Madrid instead committed a major investment to the development of 19-year-old Diomande, leaving the club with a familiar weakness to address.

The changes began early in the summer. Dani Carvajal became the first notable departure after Real Madrid decided not to renew his contract. He formally announced his exit on 18 May and said goodbye to supporters at Santiago Bernabeu on 23 May, after the match against Athletic Club.

On 22 May, the club confirmed the end of David Alaba’s five-year spell at Real Madrid. Alvaro Arbeloa followed on 9 June, ending his time as first-team manager after only about five months.

Two days later, Real Madrid announced the appointment of Jose Mourinho as head coach. The move came four days after Florentino Perez had been re-elected as club president.

Real Madrid’s first major signing was Marc Cucurella from Chelsea for 55m euros on 15 June. The following day, German defender Antonio Rudiger signed a one-year contract extension.

Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva joined on a two-year deal on 17 June, while France defender Ibrahima Konate arrived the next day on a free transfer after his contract with Liverpool expired.

On 26 June, Real Madrid agreed to terminate the remainder of Dani Ceballos’ contract, allowing the midfielder to leave without a fee. Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries then joined from Inter Milan for 20m euros on 5 July.

On 31 July, the club completed the signing of Levante striker Carlos Espi. He signed a contract running until 2031 in a deal worth 25m euros.

Significant income from young players

Real Madrid’s business has not been limited to incoming transfers and senior departures. The club have also generated substantial income by selling stakes in several young players.

Mario Martin was among the first to leave, with Getafe paying 3.5m euros for 50% of his rights. The most valuable sale involved Nico Paz, who joined Como for 60m euros. Real Madrid retained a buy-back option for the 2027-28 season.

Victor Munoz moved to Liverpool, who paid Osasuna 40m euros, while Real Madrid received 20m euros from the deal.

Alvaro Rodriguez left Elche for Bournemouth in a 25m-euro transfer, with half of that fee, 12.5m euros, going to Real Madrid. Fran Garcia joined Real Betis for 3m euros, with a further 1m euros available in add-ons.

Mario Gila moved to AC Milan for 30m euros, with Real Madrid receiving 15m euros. The club also sold 50% of Valdepenas’ rights to Fiorentina for 8m euros while keeping a buy-back option.

Gonzalo joined Fulham for 40m euros, with Real Madrid retaining 30% of the player’s rights. Cesar Palacios also moved to the English club for 10m euros, under the same arrangement.

Goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez departed for Sevilla for about 3m euros, plus add-ons, in exchange for 50% of his rights.

Diomande has become the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history. The transfer is worth 125m euros, with a further 15m euros in potential bonuses, and the player has agreed a seven-season contract lasting until 2033.

Vinicius Junior also ended months of uncertainty by extending his Real Madrid contract until 2032. Mastantuono, meanwhile, left on loan for Fiorentina until June 2027.

With 25 days remaining before the transfer window closes, Real Madrid are now expected to focus on players outside Mourinho’s plans. Mastantuono was the first departure in that phase, with his loan to Fiorentina confirmed on Friday evening.

Other possible exits include Thiago Pitarch, who could join Fulham and work again under Arbeloa. Raul Asencio’s position is also uncertain, with the defender currently fifth in the club’s defensive pecking order.

Eduardo Camavinga’s future remains unresolved despite the player’s reluctance to leave. He does not appear to be among Mourinho’s first midfield choices, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva seemingly ahead of him.

There is also uncertainty over Endrick. The Brazil striker’s prospects could be affected by the arrival of Espi, particularly with Kylian Mbappe ahead of him in the attacking hierarchy.

Real Madrid have strengthened several areas, renewed key contracts and raised significant funds through sales and loans. Yet the question that has followed the club since Kroos’ departure remains unanswered.

Rodri seemed capable of providing the solution, but his move to Barcelona has reopened the issue. With the new season approaching, Mourinho will either have to rely on the midfielders already at his disposal or hope for another move before the transfer market shuts.