Real Madrid turmoil sets tone for difficult January
Just 20 days into 2026, Real Madrid have already compressed a season’s worth of drama into a single week. As reported Athleticsthe dismissal of Xabi Alonso after a 3-2 defeat against Barcelona The Super Cup final was followed by an internal pivot rather than a radical overhaul. Former Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloapromoted from Castilla, headed directly towards the elimination of King’s Cup in the hands of Albacetelosing 3-2.
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The reaction around the club was combustible. At the Bernabeu against Levantthe frustration came out of the stands, with several stars mocked, notably Vinicius Junior. Yet even amid this noise, Arbeloa stabilized the immediate narrative with a 2-0 victory, a reminder that in Madrid, crisis and correction often go hand in hand.
Transfer calm amidst chaos
One might assume that these upheavals trigger activity in January. Instead, Madrid sources insist nothing is changing. No arrival, no exit. The proposed justification is familiar, almost provocative. According to them, the team has the highest market value in world football. “I have an extraordinary team, I’m extremely lucky. In the short term they are better than I thought,” Arbeloa said when asked if he needed an attacking midfielder.
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The only confirmed movement is the loan of Endrick has Lyon. Madrid have kept a clause to recall him by January 20, but he is expected to stay. He has already made a strong impression by delivering an assist against Brest in Ligue 1.
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Speculation without substance
Scouting continues, largely focused on defenders and midfielders, but senior officials maintain there will be no deal. Report linking Vitinha in Madrid were dismissed by his camp, which is considering an exit from Paris Saint-Germain as impossible after an exceptional year.
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We also spoke of an interest in David Alabawhose contract expires in June. His representatives insist he won’t leave now. He notably played three consecutive matches for the first time this season, a modest but symbolic detail in a squad still in search of balance.
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This week seems unsettling but not unusual. Madrid fans have experienced managerial upheaval before, and there is a strange confidence born of the history that chaos rarely lasts long here. Alonso’s dismissal hurt, especially given the feeling that he had not been given time, but Arbeloa’s appointment carries emotional weight. He understands the rhythm of the club, its demands and its intolerance of drift.
Supporters are divided on refusing to act in January. Some err on the side of caution, arguing that panic buying would only add noise. Others fear complacency, highlighting the defensive fragility and fatigue of the midfielder that no amount of belief can hide. The quote about having an amazing team is reassuring, but it also risks seeming detached from what fans see every week.
There is also empathy for players like Vinicius, whose boos seemed excessive even by Bernabeu standards. Madridistas expect excellence, but they also know that trust is fragile. If Arbeloa can reconnect the team with the crowd, stability could follow.
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Ultimately, Madrid fans measure seasons in trophies, not processes. January’s inactivity will be forgiven if spring brings control and clarity. If not, this week may be remembered as the moment when denial briefly disguised itself as calm.
