With over $170 million invested, Real Madrid seems to have wrapped up its business in the current transfer market. The arrival of Xabi Alonso as head coach not only brought a new tactical approach but also firm decisions regarding the squad's structure. So far, four new signings have joined the team — three of them defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras, all brought in to reinforce a backline that raised concerns last season.

They are joined by Argentine prospect Franco Mastantuono, who will not be able to officially join the squad until he turns 18 on August 14, a date already circled in red at Valdebebas.

Alonso’s Doubts and a Limited Market

While rumors circulated for weeks about the potential arrival of a backup striker to give Kylian Mbappé some rest, the emergence of youngster Gonzalo García changed the plans. The academy graduate shined at the Club World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer and convincing the coaching staff that he’s ready for a bigger role in the rotation.

According to Tiempo de Juego, the club’s board believes the squad is now complete and doesn’t plan to make further signings. Targets such as Rodri, Konaté, or Saliba have been ruled out, partly due to their high transfer fees and the need to comply with UEFA’s financial regulations.

Still, players like Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, or Dani Ceballos could be sold in the coming weeks, which might open the door for new signings if significant funds are generated.

A Preseason Full of Absences

Meanwhile, the team continues its preparations. In their second training session, Xabi Alonso worked with the players available, excluding those injured: Endrick, Mendy, and Bellingham. The Brazilian is still recovering from a muscular injury, the Frenchman is training individually, and the English midfielder is not expected back until October after shoulder surgery. Mastantuono, already in Madrid, must wait until he meets FIFA age requirements.

With only one friendly remaining — against WSG Tirol on August 12 — and the La Liga debut set for August 19 against Osasuna, Real Madrid heads into the final stretch of preseason with a short squad but renewed confidence.

Will Alonso’s current roster be enough, or will the transfer market deliver one final surprise at the Bernabéu?