OFFICIAL: Real Madrid announces its first signing of the 2025 winter transfer window

Due to a critical lack of defenders, Real Madrid renewed Victor Valdepenas' deal through 2029, initiating key changes led by Xabi Alonso during the winter period.

Real Madrid enters the mid-season phase with a series of squad challenges, especially in the defensive line. Long-term injuries to key players have prevented the coaching staff from rotating the squad as desired, forcing the club to seek solutions internally. In this context, the Valdebebas academy once again became a vital support, where young talents are given genuine opportunities rather than just supplementary roles.

Xabi Alonso – currently leading Los Blancos – quickly realized that he could not wait for all key players to fully recover. The congested schedule and competitive pressure across multiple fronts required him to have ready-to-play options. This pragmatic approach paved the way for Victor Valdepenas, a quietly progressing young defender within the club's development system.

Valdepenas may not be widely mentioned in the media, but he has impressed the coaching staff with his professional attitude and maturity on the field. When given the chance to debut for the first team, he demonstrated solid defending, excellent game reading, and a rare confidence for his young age. More importantly, he showed no signs of being overwhelmed stepping into the top-level environment.

Xabi Alonso’s role in the extension decision is clear. The Spanish coach evaluated Valdepenas not only through training sessions or a few matches but also communicated directly with the young player, helping him understand he is part of the club’s long-term plans. This trust made a significant difference, especially when Valdepenas attracted serious interest from Bayer Leverkusen, a club previously associated with Alonso himself.

Leverkusen’s offer was considered attractive, both in terms of playing time and development prospects. However, Valdepenas made a decisive choice. He opted to extend his contract with Real Madrid until 2029, ending all speculation about a possible departure this winter. This is also Real Madrid’s first signing of the transfer window, carrying more symbolic meaning than commercial value.

This decision reflects the philosophy Xabi Alonso is building at Bernabeu. Instead of seeking short-term fixes in the market, he places trust in players who understand the club’s identity and are ready to fight when given a chance. For Valdepenas, the extension is not only a reward for personal effort but also an affirmation that the pathway from the academy to the first team remains wide open.

During this challenging period, Real Madrid chooses to strengthen its future from within. And with Victor Valdepenas, a new chapter at Bernabeu officially begins, backed by Xabi Alonso and a contract lasting until 2029.