Two Secret Moves That Could Redefine Real Madrid's 2026 Midfield Makeover

Two Silent Moves to Refresh the 2026 Midfield

Real Madrid is quietly orchestrating measured moves in the upcoming transfer window with a clear plan to bring back two promising talents in 2026 to refresh the squad and strengthen the midfield with genuine Madrid DNA.

According to AS, the management is closely monitoring two players who left in recent years seeking more minutes, and there is growing belief at the Santiago Bernabeu that the time is right to bring them back.

Shima Andres, currently with Stuttgart, is viewed as an ideal replacement for Camavinga, given the lack of a true pivot in the squad, even though Camavinga and Arda Guler can cover that role temporarily.

Nico Paz has reportedly been promised a return in the summer of 2026, turning down Tottenham's €70 million bid this summer.

Andres, aged 20, is turning heads in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart. He has appeared in 8 of 10 league games this season, scored a goal, and posted a 94% pass completion in his latest outing, along with three successful tackles, ten recoveries, and six duels won.

Stuttgart owns 50% of his rights after paying 3 million euros, while Real Madrid holds the other half, making a buyback around 10 million euros plausible — a bargain given his rising value.

Andres, at 1.90 meters, combines physicality and defensive robustness with a strong ability to orchestrate play from the back, and in Valdebebas he's been likened to Camavinga and Rodrygo. He was a Castilla pillar and has taken a fast step up in Germany, thanks to his talent and leadership.

Nico Paz, who currently plays for Como, has 3 goals and 3 assists in 619 minutes this season; last season he scored 6 goals and provided 9 assists, drawing the attention of Argentina's national team for future World Cup plans.

Real Madrid holds a buyback option of €9 million in 2026 or €10 million in 2027 after selling half of his rights for €6 million in 2024. This could fill the void left by Dani Ceballos at the end of his contract in 2027, and the club sees Paz as a potential starter for the future.

Plan for renewal

Madrid's strategy focuses on youth: the club has shifted from relying on Galácticos to developing young talents and investing in academy players. The path includes signing players who can grow into key roles, alongside established academy products who gain experience through smart loan moves while maintaining financial prudence.

The club has already built around a pipeline of young stars such as Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Endrick, Camavinga, and Chouaméni, and continues to emphasize a balance between homegrown talent and smart signings. This model aims to ensure long-term stability and sustainable growth, rather than chasing rapid short-term fixes.

There is a clear emphasis on harmony between generations, with the current crop of youngsters guided by veterans like Rudiger and Carvajal to ensure a smooth leadership transition. The overarching goal is not only to win games this season but to secure a competitive future for at least a decade, with two promising names at the center of the project: Shima Andres and Nico Paz.

Real Madrid's 2026 blueprint is a bid to refresh the midfield with young talent, a cost-efficient strategy that fits a broader youth-first philosophy. The focus remains on discovering and shaping talents within the club's own walls, turning potential into performance.

Strategy Quandary: With a continued emphasis on youth development, Madrid aims to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term sustainability, ensuring the squad remains a force both on and off the pitch.

Two Youth, One Ball: Real Madrid’s plan is to turn future stars into current contributors, a tactic that could redefine how the club rebuilds itself in the modern era.

Punchline: If these two hit the ground running, Madrid will need a bigger trophy cabinet for youth trophies—and a larger shelf for snarky jokes about ageism in football.

Punchline 2: Real Madrid is basically running a “future first” sale—buy one youngster, get a decade of trophies guaranteed (disclaimer: terms subject to form, fitness, and the whims of gravity).