Real Madrid is reportedly planning to pull off another transfer masterstroke in the summer of 2025 by securing two of the world’s top defenders—Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies—on free transfers, according to SPORT.
This follows the successful signing of Kylian Mbappé on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, a deal that caused a stir in the football world. Though Mbappé experienced a brief LaLiga goal drought, he made an impact by scoring twice in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Betis ahead of the international break.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez is already strategizing for the 2025 summer window, where he aims to land both Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and Davies from Bayern Munich. Both defenders are considered among the best in their positions, with their contracts expiring on June 30, 2025.
While Real Madrid has been linked to Davies previously, Bayern Munich was unwilling to negotiate a transfer fee this season. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s current full-backs—Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez, and Ferland Mendy—are nearing the end of their contracts, creating space in the squad for new arrivals.
If the deal goes through, manager Carlo Ancelotti will have world-class options at both right-back and left-back, with the club’s defensive core potentially strengthened by the likes of Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Antonio Rüdiger in central defense.
As Real Madrid pushes through the 2024/2025 season, which could involve over 70 matches across seven competitions, these potential signings are set to bolster the squad for the years to come.Real Madrid’s rumored plans to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies on free transfers in the summer of 2025 could indeed be a significant move for the club. Securing two of the world’s top full-backs without paying transfer fees would be a strategic masterstroke, akin to their recent acquisition of Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. This type of strategy shows Florentino Pérez’s ambition to build a squad with both quality and financial prudence.
### Impact on Real Madrid
1. **Squad Depth and Quality**: Adding Alexander-Arnold and Davies would provide Carlo Ancelotti with elite full-back options on both sides of the pitch. Alexander-Arnold is renowned for his playmaking ability from right-back, bringing in exceptional crossing and set-piece expertise. Meanwhile, Davies offers blistering pace and dribbling prowess from left-back, capable of making dynamic runs and creating chances.
2. **Defensive Stability and Versatility**: With a defensive core that includes Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Antonio Rüdiger, Real Madrid would have one of the most robust defensive units in Europe. Alexander-Arnold and Davies could complement this core, adding both offensive and defensive capabilities, enhancing Real Madrid’s tactical flexibility.
3. **Contract Situations and Timing**: Both Alexander-Arnold and Davies will be out of contract on June 30, 2025. Liverpool and Bayern Munich are unlikely to let them go without a fight, potentially offering new contracts or trying to cash in during the 2024/2025 winter transfer window. However, if Real Madrid manages to convince both players to join for free, it would reflect their prowess in the transfer market.
4. **Renewal of the Full-Back Positions**: Real Madrid’s current full-backs, including Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez, and Ferland Mendy, are approaching the end of their contracts, and their future with the club remains uncertain. Bringing in two top-tier replacements in Alexander-Arnold and Davies would ensure that Real Madrid remains competitive and well-equipped for future challenges.
5. **Long-Term Vision and Competitiveness**: For a club competing in multiple competitions like La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and potentially more, squad depth is essential. By planning well in advance and securing world-class talents on free transfers, Real Madrid is strategically positioning itself to remain a dominant force in European football for years to come.
If these rumored signings materialize, Real Madrid will not only reinforce their squad but also set a precedent for intelligent and forward-thinking transfer market strategies, potentially inspiring other top clubs to adopt similar approaches in managing contracts and signings.
