Why are Real Madrid signing so many defenders? Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras deals done - and they might not be finished
Published 15/07/2025 at 17:38 GMT+1
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It has been a busy summer overhaul at the Bernabeu, with particular attention being paid to Xabi Alonso's backline. The 15-time European champions have brought in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras, while Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate has also been linked with a move. Los Blancos will be aiming to recover after losing their La Liga and European titles.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Image credit: Getty Images
Real Madrid are seeking to consign a frustrating season to the past with a series of high-profile additions to Xabi Alonso's squad.
Los Blancos have made a number of bold moves in their bid to regain their status as Spanish and European champions.
A Real side managed by current Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti had to contend with a slew of defensive injuries last term, including those suffered by Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal.
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David Alaba was also ruled out for an extended period, but it was the injuries suffered to Militao and Carvajal which led to the instability in Real’s backline.
Los Blancos became porous at the back, suffering sobering 4-0 and 5-2 defeats to Barcelona in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup respectively.
Meanwhile, a 5-1 two-legged UEFA Champions League quarter-final loss against Arsenal showcased those defensive frailties on the European stage.
That prompted club president Florentino Perez to get his chequebook out, with the Spanish giants already signalling their intent early on in the summer.
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Which defenders have already joined Real Madrid this summer?
It all began with a long-held interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold, which eventually resulted in a transfer to the club on June 1.
The defender announced his departure from Liverpool on May 5, but that wasn’t the end of the saga.
Real subsequently agreed a fee with the Merseyside giants to release the defender early from his contract in order to play at the Club World Cup.
Dean Huijsen was also rewarded for an incredibly impressive season at Bournemouth.
He completed a move to the Spanish capital in a deal reportedly worth £50 million.
It signalled a rapid rise to prominence for the 20-year-old following just one season on England's south coast since arriving from Juventus.
The latest left-back through the door was Alvaro Carreras from Benfica, who signed for a reported fee of £43m on a six-year deal.
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Which defenders have Real Madrid been linked with this summer?
Real Madrid do not look like they are finished there, though.
They have also been linked with a move for another Liverpool defender, Ibrahima Konate.
The Frenchman's contract with The Reds is set to expire at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
However, some sources are suggesting that Liverpool could be prepared to sell Konate this summer in a bid to avoid a repeat of Alexander-Arnold's free transfer.
He would be another excellent addition to the Madrid defence, but the question is if the deal would be worth a significant transfer fee when he could be available on a free next summer.
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