Champions League and Real Madrid’s Transfer Urgency: Key Highlights and Potential Targets (Alexander-Arnold)

In recent Champions League action, PSV Eindhoven triumphed over Girona with a commanding 4-0 scoreline, thanks in part to a stellar performance from Tillman, who scored one of the goals. Meanwhile, in La Liga, Real Madrid icon Thierry Henry threw a jab at Kylian Mbappe, noting, “He never runs, while Bellingham plays as both striker and midfielder.”

For Real Madrid, however, the focus has shifted to the upcoming January transfer window. Despite their strong performances, recent matches have underscored an urgent need for reinforcements in key areas, an issue Madrid has been monitoring closely. Injuries, squad imbalances, and lack of depth in certain positions have heightened the urgency to act swiftly.

The initial phase of the The race started weeks ago, and following the most recent games, it is now urgent to reinforce the right-back position.

Right-Back Reinforcement Priority

The right-back position has become a top concern for Madrid, particularly following Dani Carvajal’s injury, which has left Lucas Vázquez as the only reliable option until mid-July. Although there were tentative plans to bolster this position by the summer of 2025, the current situation demands a faster solution. Attempts to position Éder Militão at right-back haven’t yielded the desired results, and the club prefers not to rush young player Fortea into this role.

Madrid’s attention is firmly on Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had initially been a target for the summer market. However, with Carvajal’s absence, the urgency has shifted to January. While Liverpool has a capable backup in Connor Bradley, they remain reluctant to part with Alexander-Arnold, especially mid-season. Additionally, Liverpool is determined to retain key players like Van Dijk and Salah, all of whom will soon be out of contract and free to negotiate with other clubs starting January 1.

Additional Areas of Concern

Besides the right-back role, Madrid is also concerned about its center-back depth. The club is eyeing reinforcement options, particularly with Toni Kroos set to leave after the 2024-25 season. The lack of midfield cohesion in recent games has shown that expected steps forward from players like Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Camavinga haven’t fully materialized. As a result, Madrid is evaluating options for a more disciplined midfielder to maintain stability and organization on the field.

In short, January could see significant activity for Madrid as they aim to bring balance and depth to the squad to better navigate the remainder of the season and future challenges.

With David Alaba lacing up his boots and nearing a return—albeit with some questions about his full recovery—Real Madrid is actively scouting the market for a central defender. Although strengthening the center-back position remains a priority, the club’s focus has shifted predominantly to finding a right-back.

RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba has emerged as a primary target for the center-back role, though Madrid is also evaluating other candidates for next season. Lukeba recently renewed his contract with Leipzig, but crucially, the door remains open for a possible transfer.