James Returns to the Scene and Florentino Decides about His Potential Transfer

The main goal of Real Madrid in the transfer market for some time now has been defense. Injuries have affected this essential line for Carlo Ancelotti's strategies much more than expected: the Reggiolo coach is more questioned than ever. With the intention of solving this weak position, the Meringue leaders are prepared to enter the market.

According to the information published by MARCA, they have already secured one of the first transfers to advance the  first team's  generational change. The arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold as a free agent, pending for next summer, would be a reality awaiting official confirmation. The right wing position would be fully stocked for the 25/26 season.

However, Liverpool's '66', while an excellent market opportunity that shouldn't be missed, wasn't the first choice of the white executives. The board led by Florentino had been pursuing Reece James, a Chelsea player established in the European soccer elite for some time. The only 'however' to his transfer remains to this day.

The stellar appearance of the '24' blue in the draw between Chelsea and Bournemouth in the last Premier League gameday has brought him back into the debate at the Valdebebas offices. Florentino, recalling the reports about James himself, has ruled on his possible transfer: "I like him, but he gets injured too much".

He's come very close

That's the harsh reality that would have prevented the English, compatriot of Alexander-Arnold, from overtaking the Liverpool defender in the race to join Bernabéu locker room. The physical inconsistency of Reece James over the last few seasons has kept Real Madrid's doubts about his incorporation.

Because he is a player who would occupy an essential role in any tactical setup, regardless of the coach in charge of the team. The information published by the newspaper As reminds us that the sports management is still monitoring Reece James's performances. Unless there's a radical change in his physical condition, Chelsea's '24' will fall behind in the race to succeed Dani Carvajal.

That's why Trent Alexander-Arnold has jumped to the forefront of the debate regarding the right-back position in the white hierarchy. Besides greater physical strength, the transfer of Liverpool's '66' offers unbeatable conditions for the summer of 2025. Because Reece James has a contract with Chelsea until mid-2028 and a market value of 30 million euros.

That figure, compared to an arrival on a free transfer, makes the executives led by Florentino prefer to secure Alexander-Arnold's transfer this summer. Reece James's name, barring a last-minute surprise, will join the long list of transfers that could have been but didn't happen.