Los Blancos have already begun making moves in the market, but could still do with re-jigging their attack and clearing out some big names
Real Madrid mean business this summer. There were three glaring items on the Blancos' to-do list heading into the off-season, and they have moved through them mightily quickly. The first was a new manager; hello, Xabi Alonso. The second was a new centre-back who could be a long-term face of the backline; welcome to Madrid, Dean Huijsen. The third was a new Galactico, a statement signing who could do many things very well, and embody the Madrid aura that this club craves; get ready to learn Spanish, Trent Alexander-Arnold.
But Madrid aren't done there. They may have checked off their post-season priorities, but there are still some moves to be made if they are to hunt down both Barcelona in La Liga and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The obvious issue is the crowded attack, which features Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, among others. There are too many forwards with similar skillsets in the Madrid squad, and at least one has to go. Elsewhere, there are needs for reinforcement at left-back while another midfielder – if only for the legs – would also be mightily handy.
It's a good thing, then, that this is Madrid, where money doesn't seem to matter and the pull is relentless. Los Blancos proved with the luring of Alexander-Arnold away from Liverpool that they can get who they want, when they want, and they will need to showcase that again before the summer is out.
GOAL looks at some of the moves Madrid need to make in the transfer market as they aim to become European football's top dogs once again…
Getty Images SportCut Rodrygo loose
It was a case of too many cooks in the kitchen for Madrid's attack last season, and while Rodrygo is a fine talent, he simply didn't fit in a team that already has too may left wingers. For all of the talk about how unselfish the Brazilian is, there remains the reality that Madrid need more width on the right. Rodrygo, who looks as if he's constantly trying to avoid drifting inside, can't provide that.
Things will only get more complicated if Alonso opts to go for the 3-4-2-1 system that served him so well at Bayer Leverkusen, as Rodrygo isn't a natural inside right forward, either, and seems an even poorer fit at that position.
An amicable exit seems the best solution for all parties here. The good news is that Rodrygo can fetch a handsome return, and there will certainly be some interested buyers. Arsenal have been linked, and the fit is obvious as they need to upgrade on the inconsistent Gabriel Martinelli. Madrid would demand heavy compensation, but this seems a pretty clear solution.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesListen to Vinicius offers
Let's make something absolutely, categorically, irrefutably clear: Real Madrid do not to sell Vinicius, and it would be pretty foolish of them to shop him around. Vinicius is an elite footballer, a consistent Ballon d'Or contender, and arguably the best left winger in the world. Mbappe, though, is the most famous left winger in the world, and that trumps everything at Madrid.
Alonso will want to implement a clear style, and Mbappe isn't reliable enough through the middle, while Vinicius isn't versatile enough positionally. That leaves Madrid with two potential solutions: either find a system that consistently gets the best out of both players, or let Vinicius go while accepting that this is now Mbappe's team. They only have to look at PSG's Champions League win to see that modern football is about selflessness. You can make up for one reluctant presser; two is tricky.
But who can afford him? Madrid won't shop Vinicius around, but if rumoured Saudi Pro League interest crops up again, Los Blancos will have to think long and hard about it given they could demand an astronomical fee and reinvest it in the rest of the squad.
Getty ImagesLoan out Endrick
What is Endrick good at? Well, he runs a lot, is fast, powerful, and skilful with the ball at his feet. But he is also an immensely strange fit for high-level European football.
Right now, Endrick's best position is as a left inside forward without possessing the height to be a central striker. He has fine finishing instincts, and it is not hard to imagine him being a deadly presence for a team that likes to play on the break.
More than anything, though, Endrick needs minutes. The kid is 19. He needs to hone his craft, learn how to operate positionally, and figure out where he can best make an impact in a modern football team. That simply isn't possible at Madrid, who don't do charity projects or sympathy minutes. If you're good enough you play; if you're not, get ready to sit on the bench.
Endrick needs to be loaned out, plain and simple. With the right financial structure, he could be an excellent asset for a team who still play European football, but operate outside of the spotlight (are you listening, Real Betis?).
If things go well, and he develops, Madrid have a serious player on their hands. It's certainly a risk, but one worth taking on a youngster who needs to get reps.
AFPBring in left-back help
The left-back situation at Real Madrid always felt a bit overblown. Between Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia, Los Blancos have three good options to rotate. Sure, none of them are world-class at the position, but with Vinicius in front of them, it was more about caution than virtuosic skill. Still, that doesn't appear to be enough for Florentino Perez and co.
Madrid are keen on Benfica's Alvaro Carreras, who would be an intriguing long-term solution. The 22-year-old impressed immensely at Benfica after being let go by Manchester United, and has the kind of physicality needed to play in an Alonso team. Whether he would slip right into the line up remains to be seen, but if Madrid want to think years down the line, he's certainly a fine option.