Real Madrid have named Kylian Mbappé and Habib Diomandé in their pre-season squad for the first time this summer, signalling both players are now fully integrated into Xabi Alonso’s plans ahead of the new campaign. The inclusion comes as major European clubs, including PSG, Barcelona and Arsenal, push forward with late-summer transfer business before their domestic leagues resume.
Why does this squad inclusion matter for Real Madrid?
Being named in the pre-season group is significant because it confirms fitness, form or squad status for players who may have been sidelined by injury, international duty or ongoing transfer speculation. For Mbappé, whose future has been a constant talking point since his move to the Spanish capital, his presence in training sessions underlines his central role in Real Madrid’s attacking setup as the 2026-27 season approaches. Diomandé’s addition suggests the club is also giving fresh opportunities to emerging talent as it fine-tunes its roster.
The club described the pre-season session as an important step in preparing the full squad for the campaign ahead.
How does this fit into the wider summer transfer window?
Real Madrid’s squad update arrives amid a broader wave of activity across Europe’s top leagues, with clubs racing to finalise signings, departures and squad adjustments before the 2026-27 season kicks off. PSG, Barcelona and Arsenal are among the heavyweight clubs reportedly refining their rosters, reflecting a competitive mercato period as teams look to strengthen key positions and clear out surplus players. RMC Sport’s live coverage of the August 13, 2026 transfer window highlighted this flurry of behind-the-scenes negotiations, with Real Madrid’s squad news forming one of the day’s headline updates.
What comes next for Real Madrid’s preparations?
With Mbappé and Diomandé now part of the training group, attention turns to how quickly both players can integrate into match sessions and friendlies before the competitive season begins. Real Madrid’s coaching staff will use the remaining pre-season window to assess fitness levels and finalise the squad depth chart, while the broader transfer market continues to evolve with reports of further incoming and outgoing deals across Europe’s elite clubs.
