Real Madrid is set to close a glittering chapter under Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, who will bid farewell to the club on Saturday as the most successful manager in its history in terms of trophies won. While the farewell carries a sense of nostalgia, there is an undeniable sense of anticipation and optimism about the new era that lies ahead.
Ancelotti’s departure paves the way for Xabi Alonso, whose appointment has not yet been officially confirmed. However, Alonso recently hinted at his readiness for a new challenge, stating: “We’ll see what happens, but I want to be happy wherever I go. That requires hard work and a good team. The key is to gain new experiences and try different things.”
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Behind the scenes, club president Florentino Pérez and general director José Ángel Sánchez are actively planning the squad for the 2025–26 season. Their strategy follows two parallel tracks: reinforcing the team with new signings, and reducing overall costs through key departures.
While public and media attention focuses on potential arrivals—such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras—equally important are the departures already being discussed with Xabi Alonso, as part of a broader plan to restructure the squad.
According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid aims to save approximately €204 million through a combination of transfer fees and wage reductions. The players identified are either not in the future plans of the coaching staff or command salaries the club no longer wishes to bear.
Here are the key projected moves:
Ferland Mendy: Transfer fee of €20 million, gross salary savings of €12 million — Total: €32 million
David Alaba: Gross salary savings of €25 million
Lucas Vázquez: Gross salary savings of €10 million
Dani Ceballos: Potential fee of €20 million, salary savings of €11 million — Total: €31 million
Rodrygo Goes: Potential blockbuster sale for €90 million, plus €16 million in salary savings — Total: €106 million
These measures are not merely financial housekeeping. They are integral to the club’s broader ambition: building a refreshed, competitive squad capable of challenging for every major title. With Xabi Alonso likely at the helm, the goal is clear—to restore Real Madrid’s domestic and European dominance through smart reinvestment and tactical evolution.
