From Vazquez to Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid’s plan is in motion and one key stat proves it is working | OneFootball

Real Madrid have wasted no time preparing for life under new head coach Xabi Alonso.

After a season that didn’t quite live up to expectations, the club has begun making serious moves to refresh the squad and fix areas that looked shaky during the 2024/25 campaign.

The arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen has already brought fresh energy and optimism. And these are not short-term signings. Instead, they reflect a bigger plan.

Real Madrid have identified what was missing and are now taking meaningful steps to fill those gaps.

The departures have also started. Luka Modric, one of the greatest midfielders in football history, has left at 39. Lucas Vazquez also moves on at the age of 33, and Jesus Vallejo, 28, who never managed to secure a leading role, has also exited.

This wave of change is long overdue. The squad has been ageing, and although experience is valuable, a rebuild was clearly needed.

At present, there are only four players over 30, namely, Thibaut Courtois (33), Dani Carvajal (33), David Alaba (turning 33 this month), and Ferland Mendy (30).

However, Alaba and Mendy could leave soon, although both are still holding onto their contracts, which expire in 2026 and 2028, respectively.

Focus shifts to young talents

Dean Huijsen will be a valuable addition to Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The new project is not just about buying players from other clubs. Xabi Alonso and club president Florentino Perez are also looking at what the academy has to offer.

Raul Asencio, 22, has been promoted and is set to be an important part of the squad next season. The defender impressed even when former coach Carlo Ancelotti was not fully convinced about promoting academy players.

Then there’s Huijsen, a 20-year-old central defender with great potential. Left-footed, composed, and with a good understanding of the game, he is expected to play a big role in defence for years to come.

Another major signing is Alexander-Arnold. At 26, he is experienced but still young enough to fit into a long-term plan.

More to come

Real Madrid also have more signings lined up. One of the most exciting names is Franco Mastantuono. The 17-year-old Argentine talent is set to arrive, although no date has been confirmed yet.

Real Madrid are set to sign Franco Mastantuono. (Photo by Franklin Jacome/Getty Images)

Then there’s Alvaro Carreras, 22, whose signing has taken longer than expected. But the club remains confident of completing the deal.

Carreras went unnoticed during his earlier years at Real Madrid’s academy, but thanks to his leap with Benfica, he is now back on the radar.

With all these changes, the average age of Real Madrid’s squad will drop from 28.2 years to 25.3, and that is before even finalising all the new arrivals.

The direction is clear that Real Madrid are planning for the long term, combining experience with youth, and looking to build a squad capable of dominating both La Liga and Europe in the years to come.

Xabi Alonso’s project has just begun, but if these early moves are anything to go by, Real Madrid fans have every reason to feel hopeful.