Predicting Real Madrid's 2025-26 Starting XI After Reported Alexander-Arnold Signing
It looks like Trent Alexander-Arnold is closing in on his dream move to Real Madrid, crushing Liverpool fans' hopes of another Steven Gerrard-styled one-club hero.
Such a quality player opens up an interesting new dynamic for the Spanish champions, especially if Carlo Ancelotti's time is coming to an end as manager.
Fresh energy in such a stacked team could mean trouble for the rest of Europe.
Let’s have a look at how Madrid could line up next year with the England international added to the starting XI.
Goalkeeper: Thibault Courtois
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No real issues or debates here. Thibaut Courtois remains an important part of Madrid’s spine and one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His contract does expire in summer 2026, but he’s only 32 years old and has plenty of big performances left in him yet.
Right Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
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Alexander-Arnold's arrival will be massive on a number of levels for Madrid.
Firstly, it removes pressure from Dani Carvajal to rush back from serious injury. Secondly, it allows Federico Valverde to move back into midfield, adding his energetic legs back into a pack that struggles for balance when he’s forced into defence.
Now, the most important bit. Alexander-Arnold's presence down the right will open up considerable attacking options for Los Blancos. Carvajal hasn't registered more than five assists in a La Liga season since joining in 2013, while the Anfield star has 12, 13, 7, 12, 9 and 4 in the last six completed years, with six also on the board this season.
His early crossing ability has the quality to remove defenders from games, providing the likes of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé opportunities to burst beyond the last man for a simple finish.
The thought of combining Alexander-Arnold with a potential Xabi Alonso arrival should also have fans excited.
The coach's use of Alex Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong led Bayer Leverkusen’s charge to an invincible campaign, their almost-free roles producing an incredible 19 goals and 20 assists between them in the Bundesliga alone. That is ridiculous.
Of course, the Englishman's best qualities come at the expense of defensive solidarity. It's OK to acknowledge he isn't a particularly good defender. His reading of the ball isn't great and he's sometimes lazy. He's often targeted by the opposition.
However, all of his excellent qualities more than make up for that if cover is available to tuck in.
Centre-Back: Dean Huijsen
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Part of allowing Alexander-Arnold to thrive will come from the closest centre-back to him.
Injuries and good performances have allowed Raul Asencio to gain vital experience recently, giving him a likely chance of being the man alongside the Liverpool man in his early days at the club. That's not a bad thing; the Spaniard tracks runners well and is smart on the ball.
I wouldn't rule out a signing in this position during the summer, though. Bournemouth breakout Dean Huijsen is linked with Madrid and will likely cause one of the tussles of the transfer window when elite clubs go in for him.
Florentino Perez doesn't enjoy missing out on young talent, so there's a world where the 19-year-old could also take up this spot next to an older partner.
Again, it wouldn't be a bad thing for Alexander-Arnold, as Huijsen's performances have elevated Milos Kerkez's output on the left side of the Cherries' defence (another player who could fit into this squad).
Huijsen is capable with both feet and would be an excellent signing if Madrid go for him.
Center-Back: Antonio Rudiger
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Antonio Rudiger is still an important player for Madrid.
The 32-year-old is the type of character who should be kept around while younger defenders bed in. He's a fan of the big occasion and fearless when the going gets tough.
I expect him to be moved on soon-ish, and he's another whose contract expires in June 2026. But it's worth keeping Rudiger right now as other areas transition.
Left Back: Alex Grimaldo
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This one is certainly up for debate and Alex Grimaldo is a big shout, fuelled by the potential of Alonso coming in.
Ferland Mendy continues to have his doubters, and until Alphonso Davies signed a new contract with Bayern Munich, it looked like he was going to be replaced as a first-teamer. There's a good chance it still happens, although it might not happen as quickly as this summer.
A potential move for Madrid could be to bring Miguel Gutierrez back from Girona. He would likely be rotational, though, similar to Fran Garcia after his return from Vallecano. One must think if a Kerkez or someone of that ilk becomes available, Madrid would take a look. If Alonso arrives, the Grimaldo rumours will swirl instantly.
His talent on the opposite side to Alexander-Arnold would essentially allow Alonso to replicate what he's achieved with them at Leverkusen. To have that relentless attacking threat behind Madrid's forwards would create an overload of runners and push them to being the most cutting team in the world.
It's wishful thinking, sure, but Mendy can't last too much longer.
Central Midfield: Aurélien Tchouaméni
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Another player impacted by Madrid's injury list, Aurélien Tchouaméni has had to plug more gaps than usual this season.
Next year, he should settle in midfield once more. He starts ahead of Eduardo Camavinga for the most part, even if it's a closer call for many fans than what it often seems for Ancelotti.
Tchouaméni's all-round quality is so easy to overlook. He deserves his spot.
Central Midfield: Federico Valverde
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If Madrid need him, Valverde is there. The Uruguay international, 26, remains pivotal to the team and isn't about to be displaced anytime soon.
The thought of him spraying those long passes down the flank to Alexander-Arnold is extremely exciting and should be a profitable avenue for years to come.
Attacking Midfield: Jude Bellingham
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Alexander-Arnold's best friend and seemingly the player a lot of Liverpool fans will blame for him moving to Spain.
Jude Bellingham may turn out to be one of the biggest winners from the Reds star joining him due to how aggressively he makes himself available in the box.
The midfielder, 21, consistently impacts games for club and country by busting a gut and connecting with the ball in vital areas, whether it's stooping low to just about reach a header or pulling a bicycle kick out of nowhere.
When Madrid have their first team fit and firing, we see a Bellingham who makes the effort even when half an opportunity shows itself. Alexander-Arnold can add to that.
Forward: Vinicius Junior
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A man who has enjoyed playing against Alexander-Arnold in the past.
Those days look to be over, though. The defender can breathe a sigh of relief knowing he doesn't have to face the Brazilian any more…at least until England are due to get knocked out of the FIFA World Cup.
Forward: Rodrygo
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Rumours continue to quietly question whether Rodrygo's long-term future lies with Madrid.
The 24-year-old is one of football's most underrated talents, simply because he isn't Vinicius Jr. or Mbappé. One of Rodrygo's best traits is providing a solution when his attacking colleagues are quiet. He would be sorely missed if he went.
It’ll be interesting to see what he can do with Alexander-Arnold overlapping, especially as he loves to cut inside, as we saw with his brilliant opener in the recent Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.
If things go wrong for Madrid, though, you can bet Rodrygo and Alexander-Arnold will be among the first to receive criticism.
Forward: Kylian Mbappé
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Nothing to say here: Mbappé will be Madrid’s leading striker for a long while yet.
Perhaps we should just take a moment to consider he was a free transfer and Alexander-Arnold will be a free transfer if it happens. Not fair.
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