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Analysis
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10 players who could join Real Madrid this summer
4 May 2026 02:01 CDT |
7 min read
Analysis
Real Madrid are set for a second consecutive season without a major trophy after another disappointing campaign at the Bernabeu.
Xabi Alonso was sacked in January, but their La Liga tilt has collapsed under Alvaro Arbeloa, while they were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Bayern Munich. A new manager is believed to be a summer priority, but Los Blancos are also expected to sign a number of stars ahead of next season.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through five players who could join Real Madrid this summer.
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)
Throughout March, Enzo Fernandez dropped several hints suggesting that he wants to leave Chelsea this summer, with Real Madrid understood to be his dream destination.
The Argentina superstar was subsequently sanctioned by Chelsea, and although reports indicate that his relationship with the club has now been fixed, rumours regarding a summer exit remain rife.
Fernandez has been on Real Madrid’s radar for several years and Los Blancos are expected to pursue a deal this summer, especially as they are set to sanction the sale of France midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
Nico Paz (Como)
Nico Paz will almost certainly be a Real Madrid player next season, with Los Blancos set to trigger the buy-back clause included in his contract at Como.
The 21-year-old has been in sparkling form since leaving his boyhood club to join Como in 2024 and Real Madrid are expected to bring him back to the Bernabeu for a measly fee of just €9 million.
The Argentina wonderkid, who made eight first-team appearances for Los Blancos before his move to Serie A, is set to compete with the likes of Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham for a place in the starting XI next season.
Jacobo Ramon (Como)
Jacobo Ramon is in an almost identical position to Paz, having joined Como on a permanent deal from Real Madrid last summer.
The Spain centre-back has enjoyed a fantastic debut campaign under Cesc Fabregas, but Real Madrid are once again in control of his future due to the buy-back clause they inserted when agreeing to sell him to Como.
Reports have indicated that Ramon is likely to rejoin Real Madrid in 2027, but the Spanish giants could be forced to bring this plan forward by 12 months due to reported transfer interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)
Nico Schlotterbeck appeared to have shut down talk of a summer move by signing a new long-term contract at Borussia Dortmund in early April.
His new deal runs until 2031 and it was believed that a prospective summer transfer away would now be off the table. However, it has emerged that a release clause means he can leave Dortmund for between €50-60m, with Real Madrid and Liverpool two of three clubs capable of signing him for this fee.
As a result, a move to the Bernabeu could still take place ahead of next season, with Schlotterbeck one of Real Madrid’s top centre-back targets amid the uncertain future of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.
Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)
Kees Smit has been a standout performer for AZ Alkmaar this season and his form has attracted the attention of scouts from across Europe.
The young Dutch midfielder is a hot commodity and several elite clubs want to sign him, including Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.
However, Real Madrid are understood to be his strongest suitors and Los Blancos are tracking him regularly as they look to finalise a deal during the upcoming summer.
Rafael Leao (Milan)
Rafael Leao was one of Europe's hottest properties a couple of seasons ago but his stock has fallen slightly after an an average campaign with Milan.
The Rossoneri may need to sell if they want to significantly invest in their squad this summer and their most expensive asset is the Portuguese winger, even their valuation of him has halved to around €55m.
This one does seem extremely unlikely as Los Blancos already have Vinicius Junior or potentially Kylian Mbappe down the left flank, but they have indeed been linked with Leao.
Konstantinos Karetsas (Genk)
Real Madrid iare reportedly keeping a close eye on Genk’s Konstantinos Karetsas, continuing their strategy of targeting elite youth talent before their market value explodes, like they did with Vini Jr, Rodrygo and Franco Mastantuono, among others.
The 18-year-old playmaker has dazzled in Belgium, with Los Blancos impressed by his vision and technical ability. They are rumoured to be weighing a bid between €35 million and €50 million to beat out competition from the Premier League.
Karetsas has become a standout at Genk, providing high assist numbers and showing a poise beyond his years. His ability to operate in tight spaces and drive the transition from midfield to attack fits Madrid’s long-term vision for a Luka post-Modric era.
Crucially, they do have a number of players already in his position.
Sandro Tonali (Newcastle)
Sandro Tonali is a Champions League-level midfielder and will likely pursue a move away from Newcastle, who won't qualify for the tournament this year.
Recent reports from April 2026 indicate that the Italian midfielder’s representatives have directly approached Real Madrid.
A move to the Bernabeu would likely require a fee of at least €100m, as Newcastle are reluctant to sell their star. While Tonali's camp is exploring elite European options, Madrid faces stiff competition from Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal, who are also monitoring his situation.
Rodri (Man City)
One of the longest-running transfer sagas of the last few years, which hasn't come to fruition yet, is Real Madrid's pursuit of Rodri.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, whose contract with Manchester City expires in 2027, recently fueled speculation by admitting "you can't turn down the best clubs in the world" and expressing a desire to return to his home city of Madrid.
Inside Valdebebas, Rodri is viewed as the ideal successor to fill the tactical void left by the ageing midfield guard of the now-departed Modric and Toni Kroos, though his signing is considered a gamble due to recent fitness struggles and his high price tag.
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
Real Madrid's interest in Alexis Mac Allister came when he was performing superbly for Liverpool in the 2024/25 season, eventually winning the league with the Reds.
The Argentine, like the majority of his team-mates, has suffered from a real drop in performance level this campaign and that has led to the Madrid links dying out a little.
The Spanish giants were quoted €100m when they made their interest known, and the Mac Allister of this season probably isn't worth that outlay.
Other midfield targets have been made a higher priority.
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