The clock is ticking for Álvaro Arbeloa. Despite having Kylian Mbappé in record-breaking form with 38 goals this season, the Real Madrid board has reportedly laid down the law: trophies are the only way to secure his dugout seat for the 2026-27 season.
According to The Athletic, while Arbeloa’s camp insists he has a contract until next year, the club’s silence speaks volumes.
The mandate is clear: winning La Liga is the minimum requirement, but lifting the Champions League remains the definitive benchmark for his survival.
The Arbeloa Ultimatum: Silverware or Departure as Madrid Eyes Major Overhaul
Concerns are growing behind the scenes regarding the team’s tactical balance.
Defensive instability, highlighted by Dean Huijsen’s dip in form, and an unconvincing midfield have left Florentino Pérez questioning if Arbeloa is the long-term solution.
To counter this, the coach is leaning heavily on Trent Alexander-Arnold, pushing the Englishman into a midfield role to dictate play—a gamble that must pay off in the upcoming Champions League clash against Benfica.
Regardless of who is in charge, a massive “Galactico” reshuffle is already being planned for 2026:
- The Great Exodus: Club legends David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Dani Carvajal could all be heading for the exit to make room for fresh blood.
- Four Strategic Signings: Madrid is targeting two new center-backs (with names like Konaté and Castello Lukeba on the radar) and a new right-back, potentially promoting Castilla’s David Jiménez.
- The Creative Spark: To solve the midfield woes, the club is eyeing a creative playmaker, with AZ Alkmaar’s rising star Kees Smit emerging as a surprise favorite for a “differential” role.
Arbeloa’s future might hinge on the next 90 minutes in Lisbon. In the world of Real Madrid, being “solid” isn’t enough—only glory guarantees a job.
