The 3 Failed Signings of Real Madrid in This Summer Transfer Window

The Merengue team is leading a more than remarkable market with great signings, but there are three players who have escaped

Héctor Andreu | 20 Aug 2026 | 18.10
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Real Madrid has lost 3 major signings this summer.
Real Madrid has lost 3 major signings this summer.

La Liga
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Real Madrid Sevilla
18/10/26 21:00:00
1.22 6.25 10.00

The transfer market of Real Madrid has been more than notable, closing six signings this summer. However, it has also seen three targets slip away from its plans: Rodri Hernández, Erling Haaland, and Aymeric Laporte. The first chose Barcelona, Manchester City did not open the door to the Norwegian, and Athletic Club halted any attempt for its center-back.

The balance comes after a market in which Real Madrid has spent around €225 million to strengthen José Mourinho's squad. Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Carlos Espí, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, and Ibrahima Konaté are part of the club's signings.

Real Madrid loses the race for Rodri Hernández

Rodri Hernández, a 30-year-old midfielder, was one of Real Madrid's targets to bolster the midfield. Discussions had placed the Spanish international close to Santiago Bernabéu, but the operation was blocked, allowing Barcelona to move ahead of the white club.

The outcome occurred this week. Rodri arrived in Barcelona on August 17 after the club reached an agreement with Manchester City for a fixed €60 million plus variables and a contract until 2030. The player had also received interest from Real Madrid before choosing Barça.

Losing Rodri leaves one of the most anticipated operations of the summer unresolved. Mourinho was seeking a midfielder to complement his options in midfield, while the Spanish international will return to LaLiga with the main rival of the white club.

Erling Haaland also stays at Manchester City

Erling Haaland returned to Real Madrid's agenda at the beginning of the market. Real Madrid was willing to consider an operation over €200 million, but Manchester City kept the situation closed and did not advance with negotiations for their striker.

The price also explains the scale that the operation could have reached. Following the 2026 World Cup, Haaland is valued at approximately €220 million, one of the highest figures in the international market. The Norwegian also holds a long-term contract with the English club.

With no willingness from City to sell, Real Madrid did not convert its interest into an advanced operation. Haaland's signing remains off the current market despite reappearing as a possibility to partner with Kylian Mbappé in attack.

Erling Haaland, frustrated Real Madrid signing

Aymeric Laporte to remain at Athletic

The third name is Aymeric Laporte, a 32-year-old center-back who returned to Athletic in 2025 and has a contract until 2028. His performance with Spain in the World Cup once again placed him on the radar of several clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Athletic has set a value of around €80 million and has not made it easy to negotiate his departure. Laporte has already rejoined training and is preparing for the upcoming season with the Bilbao team.

Real Madrid will now face the last days of the market with six signings completed but without Rodri Hernández, Erling Haaland, nor Aymeric Laporte. The next step will depend on whether Mourinho insists on adding another midfielder or the club decides to start LaLiga with the current squad.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 3 fichajes frustrados del Real Madrid en este mercado de verano