Real Madrid finished the 2023/24 season by clinching a UEFA Champions League and La Liga double. Los Blancos had also won the Spanish Super Cup, battering rivals Barcelona 4-1.
Madrid are currently the apex predators of the sport. Their record 15th Champions League triumph further cemented their status as kings of the continent.
Despite their record achievements, they are unrelenting, with president Florentino Perez charging the team to repeat their impressive feat next season.
Los Blancos are already moving quickly in the transfer window to bolster their squad for next season. They have already signed arguably the best footballer in the world, Kylian Mbappe.
After years of battling for his signature, Madrid finally got their man. They signed the Frenchman on a free transfer, and are keen on further reinforcing their squad for the 2024/25 charge.
Los Blancos fans eager to watch their team fight for supremacy on all fronts next season can get their Real Madrid tickets at seatsnet.com for the best seats in the house.
Alphonso Davies pursuit continues
Madrid want to reinforce the left-back position and are eyeing a move for Bayern Munich ace Alphonso Davies.
The Canadian international is reportedly a priority for the La Liga champions. But they are unwilling to shell out more than €40 million for his signature as he is entering the final year of his contract.
Madrid are willing to play the long game, as they showed with Mbappe. They can bide their time and wait one year to sign Davies on a free transfer.
Bayern are trying to convince the 23-year-old to stay put and sign a new deal, but he is not budging. He is keen on a move to Spain.
The Bavarians could be forced to sell to avoid missing out on a transfer fee for the left-back who registered two goals and five assists in 29 Bundesliga appearances last term.
If Madrid do not get Davies this summer, they have no reason to fret. Ferland Mendy put aside his injury problems and produced a superb second half of the season for Los Blancos.
The Frenchman does not have the attacking instincts of his Canadian counterpart, but he helps shut down opposition attackers.
Apart from Mendy, Madrid also have Fran Garcia, who has been excellent when called upon. They can also re-sign Miguel Gutierrez, arguably the best left-back in La Liga last season, from Girona.
Madrid to pip European giants to teenage prodigy
Leny Yoro emerged as one of the breakout defensive talents in Europe last season after a stellar campaign with Lille in Ligue 1.
The 18-year-old helped Lille keep 13 clean sheets in 32 top-flight appearances for Les Dogues, winning 63% of his duels.
Yoro is blessed with height, speed, and anticipation. He can use his frame to frustrate attackers trying to meander away from him. He can also time his tackles perfectly to stop the opposition.
Yoro is arguably the most sought-after young defender in Europe this summer, with Manchester United and Liverpool keen on his signature.
However, there is a belief that the France youth international will join Madrid, who are also after his signature.
Madrid are keen on signing the Lille prodigy but don’t want to spend above €30-40m on the €60m-rated centre-back.
Yoro is in the final year of his contract with Lille, and the club president admitted that the defender will be allowed to leave. Madrid want to drive a bargain.
United and Liverpool want to see Madrid’s chase falter, allowing them to swoop for the young talent, but the Spanish giants are biding their time before swooping.
Reinforcing the centre-half position should be the bigger concern for Madrid, considering the long-term injuries that David Alaba and Eder Militao had to deal with last season.
Apart from the injury concerns, Nacho Fernandez will leave the club at the end of the season after a trophy-laden career in the Spanish capital that spanned over two decades.
He is reportedly on his way to Major League Soccer (MLS), and Yoro could slot in as the perfect replacement for the long-serving defender.
Madrid track River Plate sensation
Madrid are also reportedly monitoring the progress of River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono.
The 16-year-old has impressed in his limited appearances for the first team, attracting the attention of some of Europe’s biggest sides.
Apart from Madrid, Premier League champions Manchester City are tracking his progression and could swoop for him.
River Plate are calm despite the fight for their player’s signature. They have a significant €45m release clause in his deal.
Madrid have reportedly agreed personal terms with the youngster, but they are not keen on paying that figure for the Argentine starlet.
Madrid legend accepts pay-cut to stay
Madrid midfielder Luka Modric may have played a bit-part role in the club’s triumphs last season, but that has not deterred his determination.
The Croatian maestro is keen on continuing with the club for another year despite his midfield partner, Toni Kroos, announcing his desire to retire from the sport following the conclusion of the 2024 European Championship.
Modric’s contract was to expire at the end of the season, but he has reportedly taken a 40% wage cut to continue with Madrid next season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur star will be crucial in helping the club transition to the post-Kroos era.
Lucas Vazquez is also poised to sign a contract extension to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spaniard has been an able backup for Dani Carvajal and wants to continue at the club.
Vazquez registered three goals and eight assists in 38 appearances across competitions in the 2023/24 season.
The Champions League winners have a policy of handing only one-year deals to players above 30. Vazquez and Modric will sign one-year contracts until 2025.
Could this be Ancelotti’s curtain call?
While Madrid celebrate a double and build a squad poised to dominate for years, questions linger about manager Carlo Ancelotti’s future.
Despite his achievements, there are hints that this could be his final season at the helm.
The Italian came close to joining the Brazilian national team as head coach before renewing his deal with Madrid until 2026.
There is a feeling that the former AC Milan, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain boss could retire after next season.
The 65-year-old has admitted that Madrid would be his final management bus stop, and the Spanish club reportedly has plans to bring in former player Xabi Alonso, who has excelled in his brief management stint.
However, Ancelotti might decide to carry on with the blessings from the front office if he delivers another trophy-laden season.
Ancelotti has already won 11 trophies in his two stints at the club and is three trophies away from tying Miguel Munoz’s haul of 14. He could further bolster his legendary status with more titles in the capital.
