Big signings are what Real Madrid do, stretching back to the Galácticos era. However, the side that contained the likes of David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, and Ronaldo was not as successful as they should have been. Beckham only won two trophies with Los Blancos: La Liga and the Supercopa de España.
The pressure is always on Real Madrid to deliver silverware. Xabi Alonso is their current manager, and he will be under no exception to the club's demands. This is despite him being a former player who is in his first season in charge of the team.
What might Real Madrid's dream lineup look like in 2026?
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
No need to change the goalkeeper, as Thibaut Courtois is considered one of the best in the world. He is now 33, but that is still considered fairly young for a keeper.
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold was a statement signing for Real Madrid, but a hamstring injury has meant he has struggled to adapt to life at the club. Alexander-Arnold needs to stay fit and impress, as he is in danger of missing out on going to the World Cup with England. Dani Carvajal is currently injured, so the former Liverpool player needs to take this opportunity to establish himself.
Center-backs: Antonio Rüdiger and Ibrahima Konaté
Rüdiger has played just one La Liga game so far this campaign due to injury. However, he is expected to return to action next month. With Real Madrid's injury worries, they could do with signing another center-back. Ibrahima Konaté of Liverpool has been linked with Los Blancos. He is in the final year of his contract at Anfield, so the Reds risk losing him on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Left-back: Álvaro Carreras
Álvaro Carreras has established himself as Real Madrid's first-choice left back this season. He has played in all 12 La Liga fixtures and even found the back of the net in a 4-0 win over Valencia.
Central-midfield: Aurélien Tchouameni and Dominik Szoboszlai
Aurélien Tchouameni is currently injured, and Real Madrid is missing him. They also have Eduardo Camavinga, who can fill in the defensive midfield role. However, Tchouameni is expected to return in December, which will be a relief for Alonso. Signing Moises Caicedo from Chelsea appears unrealistic right now, despite Los Blancos' reputation for signing the best players in each position.
Dominik Szoboszlai has recently been mentioned as a possible signing for Real Madrid. He might be growing frustrated at Liverpool as he has had to fill in at right-back this season. Other potential midfield recruits for Los Blancos include Nico Paz, but he is more of an attacking midfield option.
Attacking midfield: Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham needs to continue to star for Real Madrid to ensure that he starts for England at the World Cup next summer. Thomas Tuchel has so far underused Bellingham in his Three Lions roster.
Right-wing: Brahim Diaz
Brahim Diaz is the Real Madrid right-winger with the most goal involvements this season in La Liga. However, this is only two assists. Rodrygo is yet to have a goal involvement, and Franco Mastantuono has just one goal. Mastantuono is only 18, and is currently another one of Alonso's injury concerns.
Left-wing: Vinícius Júnior
Despite many feeling that Vinícius Júnior is not the same player since he missed out on winning the Ballon d'Or. He still has five goals and four assists in La Liga this season. The Brazilian has recently been backed by his former teammate and Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema. Alonso's job is to make sure that Vinícius stays happy and appreciated in a squad full of big egos.
Striker: Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé is arguably the best player in the world right now, and he recently scored his 400th career goal. However, Real Madrid could do with signing a Joselu-type figure as a back-up striker option. Benzema has been linked with a return to Los Blancos, and even West Ham United flop Niclas Füllkrug could also be an option. They need to recruit another forward, especially if Endrick is to depart the club on loan.