A summer of real revolution is on the horizon for Real Madrid. The Whites are undergoing a change of cycle after a poor season under Carlo Ancelotti, both on the bench and in the boardroom, with poor sporting planning that has left the team looking very vulnerable. It has not been a good year in terms of titles and overall performance, with boring, disjointed play that has brought about a summer of changes.
The main change has been the arrival of Xabi Alonso, in whom there is a lot of faith and who will undoubtedly bring with him a different way of doing things. During his presentation, he made a statement of intent about his plans for a squad with which he wants to build a team that is capable of reacting, where no one is indispensable and that excites the fans at the Santiago Bernabéu and on television. A clear statement of intent that will soon face its first test.
The World Cup challenge as a priority
The first test for the team will be the Club World Cup, which begins in less than 15 days and which Real Madrid cannot conceive of anything other than winning. The challenge is significant, considering that Xabi Alonso will begin working with the team just nine days before the tournament kicks off and with only 5-6 players available from the squad due to injuries and international commitments.
It will be a crash job that is expected to deliver results. The rush to correct mistakes and improve performance ahead of the World Cup will not only affect the Spanish coach, as the club’s management has been working flat out to strengthen the team’s weaknesses with players who can arrive in time for the tournament.
The club has already confirmed the arrival of center back Dean Huijsen and right back Alexander-Arnold. These are two key reinforcements for a defense that has been hit hard by injuries and needed reinforcements to compete. They will not be the only ones, as Real Madrid has signed Álvaro Carreras, a left back from Benfica who arrives to cover for the injured Mendy and, for the time being, compete with Fran García for the position. The question mark remains over whether Nico Paz will be recalled for the World Cup. The decision is imminent and it looks likely that Real Madrid will pay the €8 million stipulated.
After the World Cup, two more signings are expected
With more time and less pressure due to the urgency of the World Cup, Florentino plans to further strengthen the team. “In addition to the three defenders, Real Madrid is considering signing a midfielder, who will not arrive before the Club World Cup, and also a striker. There are several names being considered, but the most urgent need right now is defense, where Madrid has the most weaknesses. Madrid wants to win the Club World Cup and that’s why it’s going with all its players and a reinforced defense, because that’s where it has the most injuries. But Madrid also wants a midfielder and a striker,” said Josep Pedrerol on El Chiringuito de Jugones.
And that’s how it is. Real Madrid wants a midfielder and has a favorite in mind. The main target will be Angelo Stiller, a German midfielder from Stuttgart who will ask for between $35-40 million for a player who reminds people of Toni Kroos because of his ball control and vision and who wants to play at the Santiago Bernabéu. As for the number 9, this has been a desire in recent months, given the noticeable absence of Joselu. There are several names on the list, such as Budimir and Muriqui, players with experience in LaLiga who would perform well from the first minute. In addition, given their age, they would be willing to take on a more secondary role.