Real Madrid will soon welcome Bayer Leverkusen manager and former Merengue midfielder Xabi Alonso as their new manager to replace Carlo Ancelotti. A source recently told ESPN that a move for Alonso is "close", and Madridistas have been waiting for Alonso's move to the Santiago Bernabeu all season long.
There is a chance Alonso changes the Real Madrid formation to a back three, which is what he is currently using at Leverkusen, which would then necessitate a move for an attacking left back to complement an incoming Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool.
Here are five possible left backs with an attacking mindset whom Real Madrid could bring in during the summer 2025 transfer window for Alonso.
Federico Dimarco, Inter Milan
The biggest dream signing at left back, especially in a system with three center backs, has to be Inter Milan star Federico Dimarco, who is headed to his second Champions League Final after another exceptional campaign in Nerazzuri colors.
Dimarco is an athletic workhorse who is strong, explosive on the ball, and intelligent off of it with a willingness to get into the penalty box and score. He isn't bad on the defensive end either due to his work rate, which enables him to win back possession at a solid clip.
This season, the 27-year-old has scored four goals with seven assists, averaging 1.5 key passes per game. If Real Madrid want an attacking difference-maker on the left flank who changes the outcome of games, Dimarco is the best bet. Just anticipate him being very, very expensive to sign, since he's so central to one of the best teams in the world right now.
Theo Hernandez, AC Milan
Another expensive get in the city of Milano, Theo Hernandez has been linked with a return to Real Madrid pretty consistently. As the Rossoneri and the French star continue to stall on contract talks, expect these transfer rumors to heat up in June, especially with Xabi Alonso coming in as the new coach.
Hernandez just might be the best all-around left back in the world, and when you consider how he could fit Real Madrid from a technical level, it may actually be a good thing that Madrid struck out on Alphonso Davies, who elected to re-sign with Bayern Munich this year.
Theo has cooled down a bit this season, but we are still talking about a unique weapon at the left back position who has scored at least four goals in all six of his seasons in Milan. As a wing back in Madrid, he'd be even more dangerous, because even though he's a better defensive player than Dimarco, the 27-year-old Madrid academy graduate is still very clearly at his best with the ball at his feet.
Alex Jimenez, AC Milan
Real Madrid actually loaned Alex Jimenez to AC Milan, who subsequently bought a second academy graduate on the flanks from the Merengues permanently at the end of the season for five million euros.
But like with Atletico Madrid-bound Miguel Gutierrez, Real Madrid own a buy-back clause for Jimenez worth just nine million euros this summer, which is slightly less than the customary 50 percent. That figure, though, would jump up slightly to 12 million euros in the 2026 summer transfer window,.
Jimenez is actually a right back by trade, so signing him would mean he's more of a platoon option as an inverted left back than rather the main candidate. But Jimenez is also clearly worth more than nine million euros based on what the 20-year-old showed in his first senior season as a key rotational player at a top European club.
Real Madrid could consider signing Jimenez in combination with another left back on this list. This season, he is averaging a hefty 2.0 dribbles completed, 1.4 fouls drawn, 1.7 tackles, and 1.1 interceptions per 90 minutes.
Diego Moreira, Strasbourg
Strasbourg breakout star Diego Moreira is one of the players Real Madrid haven't heard of, but he is a key player for the surprise team in Ligue 1 this season. Moreira is an underrated reason why Strasbourg are contending for European football this season, though signing him may be tough because Chelsea ownership group BlueCo are in charge here.
But Moreira is a talented 20-year-old worth tracking. He actually used to play for Chelsea after Benfica but was sold to Strabsourg outright in 2024, indicating that the Blues may have given up on him too early and that maybe Real Madrid could sign him without breaking the bank.
Again, Real Madrid probably want to go with someone more proven, but Moreira is worth keeping in mind as a secondary option. This season, he is averaging nearly three dribbles completed and fouls drawn per game with nine total goal contributions. There's something worth tracking here.
Alex Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen
At 29 years old, Alex Grimaldo may be a little old for Florentino Perez's taste, as he's three years older than incoming right wing back transfer Trent Alexander-Arnold.
But because Grimaldo is a favorite of Alonso's at Bayer Leverkusen, he is arguably the most debated left back name among Real Madrid fans. If Alonso bangs the drum loud enough for Grimaldo, Real may very well listen, especially if they can bring in someone like Jimenez or Moreira alongside him as the understudy.
Alonso saw Grimaldo's talent and fulfilled it, turning the Spanish international into one of the most unique fullback weapons in world football. He is an elite set-piece taker and chance-creator with seven assists and 2.4 key passes per game this season. Even if it's only for a few seasons, Grimaldo and Alexander-Arnold could be a generational duo at creating goals for Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Endrick up top.