Real Madrid’s poor season has given way to a summer of changes, signings, and difficult decisions, but the team is standing firm and has a clear plan. The club has clearly identified the main problems in Carlo Ancelotti’s team and has sought to remedy them with the arrival of Xabi Alonso, with the Club World Cup firmly in its sights.
Defense was the biggest headache during the Italian’s last season in charge, and Real Madrid has wasted no time in solving the problems with the official signing of center back Dean Huijsen. The young defender arrives after a great season in the Premier League with Bournemouth and is the big bet for the future of the Whites, who have invested almost $60 million.
A hefty sum, although not as high, will be invested in signing Álvaro Carreras, which is imminent. The Galician full-back will strengthen the left side of the defense, where neither Mendy nor Fran García have been up to scratch, and Xabi Alonso will have to decide between them. The player arrives from Benfica and his return to the Whites will cost around $50 million.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will be cheaper for the right-back position. The player’s contract with Liverpool, the club of his life, is coming to an end, and he has already said goodbye. However, Real Madrid will pay around five million euros to get the player out early so he can play in the Club World Cup under Xabi Alonso.
Need in midfield
With the defense shored up, Real Madrid is now focusing all its efforts on midfield, where there have also been shortcomings during the season. Since Toni Kroos’ departure, there has been a void that has been difficult to fill and that no one has been able to cover, or at least not completely at Real Madrid.
Camavinga has had an inconsistent season with many injuries, Ceballos also suffered an injury when he was at his best, Modric has had to deal with his age and a reduced playing time, while Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde have had to spend much of their playing time this season sacrificing themselves in other areas of the field.
In the search for reinforcements for this area of the pitch, Real Madrid, with the approval of Xabi Alonso, has taken the decision to bring back Nico Paz for €8 million. He would not be the only one to arrive, as there is talk of a second signing in which Angelo Stiller, who has the approval of Toni Kroos and bears many similarities to him, is gaining ground.
Problems with Mastantuono
The one who seems to be falling off the list of candidates is Franco Mastantuono. At only 17 years old, he has become a star at River Plate, where he has taken control of the midfield, drawing the attention of half of Europe with his intensity and commitment in a midfield where he is a true all-rounder. Mastantuono turns 18 on August 14, at which point he could join Real Madrid for a fee of around €60 million.
Florentino is not willing to put that kind of money on the table. Sources in Argentina suggest that Madrid are not convinced by his high price tag and that a serious competitor has emerged, willing to pay the River Plate player’s release clause. Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly keen to sign him as soon as possible. TyC Sports reports that Paris are willing to pay the €40 million asking price now and leave him in Argentina until the end of the year.