With the transfer window now done and dusted, The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the business conducted by Real Madrid this summer.
Last season will be remembered at the Bernabeu as one of quiet frustration. Xabi Alonso’s first season in charge ended abruptly when he was sacked midway through the term. Alvaro Arbeloa, promoted from the reserve side, could not arrest the slide and failed to deliver silverware either, leading to his removal just before the summer break.
The message from the board was clear: change was non-negotiable. That change arrived in the form of Jose Mourinho. His return has brought a familiar demand for intensity, discipline, and a squad built to win immediately.
With that mandate came a clear-eyed assessment of the roster; some departures were inevitable, and several upgrades were essential to restore Real Madrid’s standing at the summit of European football.
Clearing the deck and raising the bar
Real Madrid moved decisively to trim the squad and redirect resources. Out went Gonzalo Garcia, Cesar Palacios, Fran Garcia, Mario Martin, and Fran Gonzalez, none of whom featured prominently in long-term plans.
Dani Ceballos, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba left as free agents, marking the end of significant chapters, particularly for Carvajal, the club’s longtime right-back and captain. Meanwhile, Franco Mastantuono was loaned out to gain experience elsewhere.
In came a more robust, experienced group. The headline additions were Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Carlos Espi, and Denzel Dumfries, complemented by free transfers Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate.
Diomande, a €140 million capture from RB Leipzig, could address the right-wing profile that has been missing for years if his talent his harnessed properly. Espi, signed from Levante, offers a poacher’s instinct, a Joselu-style finisher to convert chances in tight games.
Konate brings Premier League-tested centre-back steel, while Dumfries adds defensive reliability at right-back. Silva, meanwhile, provides midfield control and tempo-setting know-how.
Marquee Signing
Marc Cucurella
In terms of fee, Diomande is the marquee name. In terms of upgrade, however, Marc Cucurella stands out. The 2026 FIFA World Cup winner arrives from Chelsea for around €60 million and represents a significant improvement at left-back.
Alvaro Carreras is exciting going forward, but his defensive consistency has brought about question marks. Cucurella, by contrast, is among the best in the world in his position, equally effective on either end. With Ferland Mendy’s injury history, investing in a durable, two-way left-back was the right move.
Value for Money
Bernardo Silva
Ibrahima Konate is the younger, free-transfer option at the back, but Bernardo Silva may have the greater immediate impact. Having arrived on a two-year deal from Manchester City, Silva is tasked with controlling tempo, linking lines and helping fill the void left by the departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
It is a short-term fix, yes, but potentially a highly effective one. His intelligence, pressing resistance, and ability to dictate play make him an ideal bridge while the midfield transitions to its next phase.
Inevitable Departure
Dani Carvajal
Carvajal’s exit was always going to be emotional, yet logical. The veteran right-back’s age and injury record meant the club had to plan for the future. Dumfries’s arrival signals that transition. Carvajal leaves as a legend, but Real Madrid’s backline required rejuvenation, and this was the moment to act.
The Big Miss
Rodri
The one glaring gap remains in the defensive midfield berth. Real Madrid lost out on Rodri this summer after the Spain captain chose Barcelona over the Bernabeu. By many accounts, he was the final piece, an experienced organiser who could lead the midfield, progress the ball under pressure and steady the team in difficult moments.
Mourinho confirmed the club made “a very good offer” and spoke to Rodri personally, but the player’s hesitations opened the door for Barcelona, who secured him for around €75 million.
Thibaut Courtois summed up the mood, saying, “Every player chooses where they want to be. If he didn’t want to be with us, well, that’s a pity…for him.”
Still, the sporting reality is that Rodri was the best available solution to Real Madrid’s midfield problems, and his absence leaves a noticeable hole.
Verdict: 8.5/10
This was a focused, mature window. There were decisive departures, targeted signings, and a backline that now looks more balanced and resilient. Marc Cucurella upgrades a key position, Bernardo Silva steadies the midfield, Yan Diomande adds a missing profile, and Carlos Espi offers a reliable goal threat. Had Rodri arrived, it would have been a perfect 10. Without him, it remains an 8.5/10: strong, but with one obvious piece still missing.
