Operation Departures: Real Madrid’s Summer Shake-Up Begins Under Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid are ready to offload five players before summer transfer window closes on September 1 to maintain the 25-member squad for the 2025-26 campaign. The list of five players include Brazilian winger Rodrygo, who has been linked with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu throughout the summer, amid strong interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.

Operation Departures: Real Madrid’s Summer Shake-Up Begins Under Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid prepared to sell five first-team stars including Rodrygo in bold summer clear-out

As Real Madrid prepare to usher in a new era under the management of club legend Xabi Alonso, the winds of change are already sweeping through the halls of Valdebebas. The Spanish giants are reportedly set to sanction the departures of five senior players before the transfer window closes on September 1. Among those on the list is Brazilian forward Rodrygo, whose potential exit could mark one of the most significant transfer stories of the summer.

What’s happening at Real Madrid?

Madrid are preparing for a leaner, more tightly-knit squad heading into the 2025-26 season, aiming to maintain a capped roster of 25 players. This shift is not just about numbers—it reflects a strategic decision to streamline squad management, increase competitiveness in every position, and integrate a handful of emerging talents into the fold.

Following months of internal planning and behind-the-scenes deliberations, five names have emerged as likely candidates for departure: Rodrygo, Endrick, David Alaba, Dani Ceballos, and Ferland Mendy. This isn’t a fire sale—rather, it’s a calculated move to refine the team structure for the long haul.

The Rodrygo Situation: A £100 Million Dilemma

Perhaps the most headline-grabbing name on the list is Rodrygo Goes. The 23-year-old Brazilian has been at the centre of transfer speculation all summer, with links to Arsenal, Liverpool, and most recently, Tottenham. Madrid, however, are not willing to let him go on the cheap. The club have reportedly slapped a €100 million (£87m/$116m) price tag on his head, a figure that reflects both his talent and the long-term investment they’ve made in his development.

But before any deal can progress, new manager Xabi Alonso is expected to hold direct talks with Rodrygo. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss, known for his tactical acumen and focus on youth development, wants to hear from the player himself before making a final decision. Should Rodrygo express a desire for more consistent minutes or a new challenge, the path could open for one of the Premier League clubs to make a serious move.

Endrick’s Future: Loan Move Likely

Rodrygo Real Madrid 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Rodrygo Real Madrid 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Meanwhile, teenage prodigy Endrick, who officially joined the club earlier this year, is also on the outgoing list—but not in the same way. The Brazilian forward recently picked up an injury and is expected to miss the start of the new season. Given his youth and the need for consistent game time to continue his development, a loan move is the most probable outcome.

Real Madrid still view Endrick as a long-term star, but with a stacked attacking line-up and no room for rushed integration, a spell at another European club could be the best option for all parties. There’s already interest from several top-flight teams across the continent, and the coming weeks could see that interest crystallise into a concrete offer.

Veteran Decisions: Alaba, Ceballos & Mendy on the Chopping Block

David Alaba’s inclusion on the list has raised eyebrows, but it seems the Austrian’s injury issues and age have pushed him closer to the exit door. While still a quality defender when fit, Madrid want to inject fresh blood into their backline and have identified younger options to build around.

Midfielder Dani Ceballos, too, finds himself in limbo. Despite being a dependable squad player, he’s struggled to nail down a consistent starting role. At 28, Ceballos may prefer a move where he can play a more central role, and clubs in La Liga and Serie A are keeping tabs.

Ferland Mendy’s case is more tactical. Once seen as Marcelo’s heir, the Frenchman hasn’t quite lived up to the lofty expectations. Injuries and inconsistency have hampered his progression, and with Fran García and Miguel Gutiérrez ready to stake their claim, Mendy may be surplus to requirements.

The Bigger Picture: Xabi Alonso’s Influence

This summer represents more than just a change of personnel. It’s symbolic of Real Madrid’s evolving football philosophy. Xabi Alonso’s appointment was met with optimism—and a fair amount of intrigue. Known for his deep understanding of the game and emphasis on positional play, Alonso is expected to bring a new identity to the team, one that blends Madrid’s traditional attacking flair with greater tactical discipline.

The former midfielder has already shown at Bayer Leverkusen that he isn’t afraid to make bold decisions. His ability to develop young talent was instrumental in Leverkusen’s resurgence, and it’s clear that Madrid see him as the man to oversee a generational transition.

What’s next for Real Madrid?

FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH62-PSG-REAL MADRID

FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH62-PSG-REAL MADRID

Madrid’s pre-season officially kicks off on August 4 at Valdebebas, where Alonso will conduct his first training session as head coach. This will also be a critical period for decision-making. Players on the fringe will be given a chance to impress, while transfer negotiations in the background will likely heat up.

The 2025-26 campaign begins on August 19, with Madrid hosting Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu. By then, the club hope to have their squad trimmed and finalised. If all goes according to plan, Real Madrid will enter the new season with a more focused, balanced, and Alonso-moulded team ready to chase silverware.

Final Thoughts

“Operation Departures” may sound ruthless, but at a club like Real Madrid, evolution is constant. The pursuit of excellence demands tough calls, and this summer is shaping up to be one of those defining windows.

Whether Rodrygo moves to the Premier League, Endrick embarks on a developmental loan, or veterans like Alaba and Ceballos say their goodbyes, one thing is clear—Madrid are preparing for the future. And with Xabi Alonso at the helm, the future might just arrive a bit sooner than expected.

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