Real Madrid has finalized its squad for the new season. As we reported a few days ago on Grada3, the club will not sign any players between now and the end of the transfer window, barring any last-minute surprises. Proof of this is the future of Gonzalo, who will finally fill the last available spot for the season that is about to begin.
Gonzalo stays at Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso had no doubts, but he understood why Gonzalo was not yet confirmed for the first team this season. The Basque coach put his faith in him in the Club World Cup and the result could not have been better, with the Golden Boot winner starting in every game. However, the La Fábrica player was registered with Castilla and his future in the first team was not confirmed. But with 13 days to go before kick-off at the Santiago Bernabéu, the club has confirmed that the youth player will remain in the first team.
Doubts about his registration
There were some doubts at the club about his registration, but not because of his performance. In fact, the main idea was always for him to stay, because Xabi Alonso wanted him and because he had earned his place. However, Real Madrid’s squad is full to bursting: the arrival of Mastantuono only left room for one player, and the club was waiting to sign a midfielder that Xabi Alonso wanted so badly, but in the end he will not be coming, barring any surprises in the final stretch of the season. That leaves Gonzalo free to take the last spot on the roster for next season.
No signings unless there is a surprise
With the confirmation of Gonzalo for the first team, there is no room for anyone else, because the club does not want to leave any player on the squad without a contract. The only option for the club to seek a signing in August before the transfer window closes is for a player to leave the first team, and that seems unlikely.
There are three players the club does not want: the first is Rodrygo, the only one who could have a real chance of leaving, but contrary to expectations, no offers have been made for the Brazilian. If a significant offer is made that convinces the player, the deal could go ahead.
The other two names the club has put on the market are Alaba and Mendy. The Austrian does not look likely to receive any offers, as he has a year left at the club and is on a very high salary that would be difficult to give up. In addition, following his serious injury in December 2023, he has not yet been able to regain a satisfactory level of fitness. In the case of the Frenchman, the situation is somewhat different, but last season’s injuries also prevent any club from making an interesting offer that would satisfy both parties.
So, the Real Madrid squad is complete for the new season. Gonzalo will be the 25th player and is likely to wear the number 9 shirt, pending Endrick‘s request. There will be no further signings unless there are last-minute changes or some members of the squad leave the club, which the Valdebebas offices do not believe will happen. Gonzalo will be Xabi Alonso’s number nine, and now the question and speculation is whether he will have the same prominence he had in the Club World Cup, which would mean benching one of the heavyweights (very heavyweights) on the bench.