The 2025/26 season has been one to forget for Real Madrid. Having finished behind rivals Barcelona in the La Liga title race, the Merengues now have a mountain to climb to rebuild their squad and return to the top of Spanish football.
Consequently, full attention has now shifted to the summer transfer window and what decisions will be made to put the squad in the best position for next season so that they can challenge in both domestic and continental competitions.
And while it’s likely that Madrid will let several players leave in the coming months, there is also excitement surrounding who might be signed in their place. Considering all the talent at the Santiago Bernabéu, it should only take four big signings to put the team back in contention for major honours in 2026/27.
Nico Paz
A deal for the former Castilla talent almost feels inevitable at this point thanks to the favorable terms of the club’s buyback clause. €9 million will prove to be a steal for a player who has been one of the most exciting talents in European football this season.
Nico Paz has scored 12 Serie A goals to fire Como to the brink of Champions League qualification. Rodrygo’s injury means that the Argentine would likely start as a winger should he return, but he would also be capable of interchanging with Arda Güler, dropping into midfield where his creativity could shine.
Such a transfer would make Madridistas more confident in their team’s chances of returning to La Liga’s summit, both in Spain and around the world. Those looking to back the club in upcoming matches and next season can check out the best football betting sites on GOAL, your trusted source for betting insights.
Nico Schlotterbeck
It’s no secret that Real Madrid are looking to make a big signing at centre-back this summer. And after Ibrahima Konate revealed that he was close to renewing his contract at Liverpool, Nico Schlotterbeck might be the best available player for Florentino Pérez to sign.
Although he has signed a contract extension at Borussia Dortmund until 2031, the defender’s new deal reportedly contains a release clause between €50m-60m which a select few clubs – including Madrid – can activate.
The 26-year-old is highly regarded at the Santiago Bernabéu and could well be a perfect partner for Dean Huijsen. Schlotterbeck would bring valuable international experience and could make a difference in games when Madrid are under significant pressure.
Rodri
There’s been substantial talk about Enzo Fernández moving to Real Madrid, but what the club might need most of all is a holding midfielder who can disrupt attacks and get the team moving forward. Right now, there’s arguably no player in the world better at that than Rodri.
After missing most of last season through injury, the Spanish international has been indispensable to Manchester City this season. He’s averaging two tackles and five ball recoveries per game, while also recording superior stats to Fernández for interceptions, clearances and possession won in the final third.
Adding Rodri to the squad would offer greater balance and allow other midfielders – whether that’s Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, or potentially Nico Paz – to play with greater attacking freedom. Considering that the 29-year-old has said he is open to making the move, Madrid should be doing everything they can to sign him.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Because of the questions surrounding Fran García and Ferland Mendy’s futures in the Spanish capital, the club will need to sign a left-back who can interchange with Álvaro Carreras. While he would not be cheap, Myles Lewis-Skelly could be available.
After breaking into the Arsenal first team, opportunities have dried up for the 19-year-old. He’s started just two Premier League games this season, having been selected in the lineup 15 times in 23 matches in 2024/25.
If he is available, he could be perfect for Madrid. Offering versatility as both a left-back and midfielder, Lewis-Skelly pairs attacking threat with defensive stability, highlighted by the fact he was dribbled past just 0.04 times per game in 2024/25. Arsenal might want to keep their academy star, but a desire for greater minutes and potential openings at left-back could work in Madrid’s favor.
