Real Madrid transfer inquiries: How to address Vini Jr. and Bellingham?
As is typically the case for Real Madrid, the January transfer window this year was relatively uneventful for the LaLiga club.
Young forward Endrick was loaned to Lyon for the remainder of the season, but the most significant changes at the Bernabéu last month revolved around coaching staff, with Xabi Alonso being dismissed and Álvaro Arbeloa being elevated from the B team to take his place.
However, despite the absence of midseason transfer activity, there are numerous concerns regarding the playing squad that Madrid must tackle in the summer. Questions arise about how to bolster the defense and midfield, what to do with prominent attacking players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, and even whether a new coach should be appointed.
ESPN Madrid correspondents Alex Kirkland and Rodra address the crucial transfer inquiries that Los Blancos will need to confront when the window reopens in the summer.
– What options does Vini Jr. have as his Real Madrid contract nears its end?
– Madrid’s fitness expert is known for pushing players to their limits. Can he salvage their season?
– Transfer window winners and losers: How Man City, Liverpool, and others performed
What actions should Madrid take this summer regarding the futures of two of their key stars: Vinícius and Bellingham?
Kirkland: I remain somewhat skeptical that a team featuring Kylian Mbappé, Vini Jr., and Bellingham can operate effectively on a consistent basis, particularly against top-tier opponents. It is evident that all three are elite players. Yet, during the season and a half that this trio has been together at Madrid, how frequently have we witnessed the team performing at a high level? It has occurred sporadically — in certain Champions League matches last season, for instance, or during last October’s Clásico. However, in most matches over the past 18 months, the team has appeared disjointed, as if the coach — whether it be Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso, or Arbeloa — is struggling to fit his stars into a cohesive lineup. In Alonso’s case, this has sometimes meant leaving Vinícius out.
Mbappé is certainly not leaving. Therefore, I would be inclined, for a hopefully exorbitant fee, to allow one of Vini Jr. or Bellingham to depart, with a preference for Vinícius to move on. The Brazilian has been a crucial player for Madrid, instrumental in two Champions League victories, but with less than 18 months remaining on his contract, it may be best for all parties to part ways. While sources have informed ESPN that Vinícius’ former club Flamengo has set a long-term goal of bringing him back — with the club’s director of football even joking recently about a free transfer — the most realistic destinations for him are the Saudi Pro League, the Premier League, or Paris Saint-Germain.
Rodra: Madrid should commit to both Vinícius and Bellingham, despite their underwhelming performances this season. For the Brazilian, they should aim to reach a renewal agreement in the summer, with fair terms for both sides. They should not acquiesce to the player’s excessive demands, but they must demonstrate his significance to the Real Madrid project. This is the only way to regain the best version of the No. 7, who remains a valuable asset for the club. With Bellingham, they should provide reassurance and express their confidence following a period of disappointing results. However, with both Vini Jr. and Jude, Madrid must make it clear that there are no untouchables in this squad, and that only on-field performance will dictate each player’s standing.
Will Madrid retain Arbeloa or seek another coach? Perhaps Jürgen Klopp or someone else?
Rodra: The decision hinges on the results this season. If Madrid fails to secure any trophies, club sources have indicated to ESPN that it is likely Arbeloa will not remain as coach. Regarding potential successors, no candidate has achieved consensus among the Madrid board. Zinedine Zidane is the preferred choice of club president Florentino Pérez, but he aspires to replace Didier Deschamps as France manager after the World Cup.
Klopp is frequently mentioned as a possibility, but the German has not signaled any intention of moving to Madrid in the near future. A further failure at the end of the season could lead to a shift in strategy, potentially with a manager like Klopp at the helm.
Kirkland: I would be surprised if Arbeloa remains as coach next season. Naturally, at Madrid, anything is possible, and winning LaLiga or the Champions League would alter everything. However, thus far, there has been no indication that such an outcome is likely, given the team’s current form. On the contrary, I believe the most probable scenario is that Madrid finishes second in LaLiga behind Barcelona and is eliminated from the Champions League by the first strong opponent they encounter. If that occurs, Arbeloa is likely to step down. This is not a reflection on him — he may well evolve into a competent coach — but he has been thrust into a challenging situation prematurely and has understandably made mistakes along the way.
As for a successor, Klopp would be an intriguing option, but would require a level of control that would be nearly unprecedented at Real Madrid. Other names that have been suggested, such as Unai Emery, appear even less likely. Currently, there is no clear candidate, and in recent years, when new Madrid coaches have not been promoted from within, they have often been unexpected choices, like Rafa Benítez. Could Ancelotti consider returning for a third term after leading Brazil to the World Cup? Given the events since: come back Carlo, we didn’t realize what we had until you left.
Is Konaté still a target, or should they pursue another center back to reinforce their defense?
Rodra: Madrid have identified the acquisition of a new center back as one of their priorities for the summer. They are closely monitoring players with expiring contracts, and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté is among them. His previous financial demands had ruled Madrid out of contention, but if Konaté reduces those, he could become a viable option once more.
Other names, such as Madrid youth product Jacobo Ramón, are also under consideration. David Alaba will depart the club, and there are uncertainties surrounding Antonio Rüdiger’s future, so there will be movement in the central defender market. Castello Lukeba and Nico Schlotterbeck are additional players being closely observed by the scouting team, led by Juni Calafat.
Kirkland: Acquiring a new center back is essential. As Rodra mentioned, Alaba is leaving, Rüdiger is unreliable, Dean Huijsen is promising but facing a challenging debut season, and Raúl Asencio has appeared prone to errors. Madrid needs to secure a defender who can serve as the foundation of the defense for the next decade, and if they can do so on a free transfer, as they did with Alaba and Rüdiger, that would be even better.
play2:39Laurens: There was a complete lack of effort from Real Madrid
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens analyze Real Madrid’s performance in their 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano and discuss what changes are necessary within the squad.
Madrid have the option to re-sign Nico Paz from Como. Should they activate it this summer, wait another year, or let him go?
Kirkland: Absolutely, they should. Nico Paz is precisely the type of intelligent, creative midfield presence the team has been lacking this season. Is there a clear spot for him in the starting XI, with Bellingham in the lineup? Not particularly. However, there is currently no player with his profile in the squad. He has completed his apprenticeship at Como, becoming Serie A’s best young player; now it’s time for him to return. In the worst-case scenario, if it doesn’t work out and he doesn’t receive enough playing time, there would still be a significant market for him in 2027.
Rodra: Paz’s future will be determined in the summer. Madrid intends to exercise their re-sign clause, followed by one of two options: either he remains, or Madrid sells him for a substantial profit. Madrid desires to keep him, but the final decision will rest with the player, who is also weighing the playing time he would receive at the Bernabéu in such a competitive attack. The option of him staying for another year at Como is not currently being considered.
Madrid have yet to successfully replace Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Who could they sign this summer to fill that gap?
Rodra: Another of Madrid’s goals this summer is to acquire a creative midfielder. Vitinha is their top preference, but both the player’s representatives and PSG believe he has minimal chances of departing. Fabián Ruiz, also at PSG, is another player being discussed by the Madrid hierarchy. The club is also exploring the market for younger midfielders, with Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar emerging as a strong candidate. Los Blancos are determined to secure this type of player in the summer.
Kirkland: This should be Madrid’s primary focus in the summer transfer window. None of the players who were expected to succeed Kroos and Modric — particularly Eduardo Camavinga — have stepped up. Arda Güler has received ample opportunities this season and has performed well, but is not quite there yet. Vitinha would be the ideal signing, but Madrid understands how challenging it can be to successfully acquire a player from PSG. Just ask Mbappé. However, that is the caliber of player they need to pursue. Efforts to cultivate a new Kroos or Modric have fallen short; it is time to bring in a ready-made replacement.
play1:56How serious is Jude Bellingham’s injury?
The “ESPN FC” crew analyzes Jude Bellingham’s injury from Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano and discusses how Real Madrid will cope without the English star.
What should they do with Endrick: bring him back to Madrid, loan him out again, or transfer him?
Kirkland: One only needs to observe Endrick’s impressive form for Lyon thus far to recognize that he could have played a more significant role for Madrid this season. Certainly, with Mbappé at center-forward, it is hard to argue that Endrick couldn’t have contributed as much, if not more, than Rodrygo and Franco Mastantuono have on the right wing. Endrick required playing time. He did not receive it under Alonso. Now he is getting it at Lyon, and he is thriving. Bring him back, and even if he isn’t a regular starter, he can serve as Madrid’s 12th man and the first option when a game needs to be opened up.
Rodra: Madrid views Endrick as one of the most promising talents in world football, and they wish to bring him back to Valdebebas in the summer. The plan is for his loan at Lyon to last only until June, although the French club will attempt to extend it. Endrick sought playing time to secure his position in Brazil’s World Cup squad, and then to return to Madrid. However, if he is not guaranteed a starting role, he may reconsider his immediate future. Rodrygo’s situation will also be crucial. I believe Madrid should trust in Endrick and provide him with a role in the team. He possesses the qualities to become a great Real Madrid player and deserves an opportunity.
Who should the club consider removing from the squad this summer?
Kirkland: There are several players whose tenure at Madrid should conclude this summer; some veterans whose time has come, and some younger players who have not quite met expectations. In defense, Alaba, Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy should depart. Let’s evaluate Dani Carvajal’s fitness level, but having worked diligently to sign him, Trent Alexander-Arnold should be the primary right-back, with Federico Valverde serving as an exceptional, albeit reluctant, backup. Additionally, I would move on from Dani Ceballos and would accept a reasonable offer for Rodrygo as well.
Rodra: Madrid requires departures to create space in the squad. In addition to Alaba, Rüdiger, Carvajal, and Ceballos, Fran García and Brahim Díaz could be utilized to generate funds. And could one of Camavinga or Aurélien Tchouaméni be allowed to leave for the right transfer fee? I believe a significant overhaul is necessary in the squad.
Madrid is already preparing for several exits. One of them is Alaba, whose contract expires in June. Carvajal, Mendy, and Rüdiger could also depart. The club believes Carvajal and Rüdiger have earned the right to decide whether to stay or leave. At Valdebebas, there is uncertainty regarding their futures. As for Mendy, club officials would welcome a transfer, but due to his fitness issues, no offers have been received.
