The lack of creative midfield options has been an Achilles heel for the team all season.
On Radio MARCA’s La Tribu program, Raúl Varela reported that Carlo Ancelotti identified Alexis Mac Allister and Sandro Tonali as the two midfielders he wanted to sign to help replace Toni Kroos. Mac Allister, now at Liverpool, and Tonali, currently at Newcastle, were seen as strong fits for the midfield profile Ancelotti wanted to build.
Earlier this year, Mac Allister’s father confirmed on Argentine radio that Real Madrid had shown interest in his son, though no formal approach was made.
Varela also shared that Ancelotti requested reinforcements in defense, specifically William Saliba (Arsenal), with Manuel Akanji (Manchester City) and Dean Huijsen (Juventus, loaned to Roma) considered backup options.
In the end, Real Madrid chose not to pursue these names last summer. The club opted instead to maintain continuity within the squad and prioritize internal solutions over major signings.
