A summer of drastic decisions without hesitation. That is the future that awaits Real Madrid in the coming months. The season has ended on a sour note and changes are necessary. Doing the same thing with the same people will bring the same results, which is why the first decision has been to change the captain of the ship. Goodbye to Ancelotti and hello to Xabi Alonso.
Beyond the bench, Real Madrid’s needs were evident in El Clásico, where Mbappé saved the day with his hat-trick and Courtois could do little else when hampered by a defense that has been disastrous all season. Without a doubt, the defense is the biggest reflection of the team’s poor season, but the truth is that there have been more mistakes and disappointments with many players and performances that have left the future of several Merengue players up in the air.
Ceballos and his role in El Clásico
Dani Ceballos has been one of the protagonists of the season, first for the better and then in recent weeks with a more negative turn of events that has left his future up in the air. In the first part of the season, his good work on the pitch silenced those who wanted him out last summer. The player took control of the midfield, earning himself a place in the starting line-up and, at times, making people forget the absence of German Toni Kroos.
However, just as he was hitting top form, an injury kept him off the pitch for several months, causing him to miss key games for the Whites. Since his return, his contribution to the team has been more inconspicuous, with his performance in El Clásico against Barça calling into question his growing importance given his recent form. He is not at the same level he was when he was injured in the Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad, and now his future is up in the air.
The player has a contract with Real Madrid until 2027, and although the final decision on his situation will be made by Xabi Alonso, a departure cannot be ruled out, as there is overbooking in the midfield and the team wants to strengthen during the summer transfer window.
Making room for the ‘new Kroos’
For much of the season, Dani Ceballos’ great performances led to him being considered Toni Kroos’ heir, but the truth is that Real Madrid has not stopped looking for reinforcements for the midfield in recent months. Since the German player’s departure, the Whites have been left orphaned, lacking a compass and an organized player in midfield who can connect both lines, defense and attack, directing the game and with vision.
During these months of searching, Zubimendi and Florian Wirtz were long-time targets, but both have now been ruled out after Arsenal and Bayern Munich won the bidding for these players, respectively. Many candidates have been mentioned, such as Sandro Tonali, Mac Allister, Javi Guerra, Éderson dos Santos, Rayan Cherki, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Tijjani Reijnders, Angelo Stiller… and a long list of others.
What is clear is that Real Madrid wants a new Toni Kroos, and Xabi Alonso will have to decide whether he already has him at home or whether it is better to sell and get money to sign a new player who will return to the white team all or nothing with the departure of the German after winning La Liga and the Champions League, the fifteenth, with Real Madrid last season.