Real Madrid suffered a disappointing campaign by their own high standards, crashing out of the Champions League semi final after being thrashed by Manchester City and finishing 10 points behind Clasico rivals Barcelona in La Liga, leaving them with just one trophy to their name.
Change is expected, with older players making way for younger talents and significant spending expected in the summer transfer window.
We think that there could be as many as three new faces in the Starting XI next season, and here’s who we predict could be turning out for Los Blancos next season.
📰 Table Of Contents
GK: Thibaut Courtois
Undisputed no.1, Courtois remains one of the best goalkeepers in World football and will certainly be between the posts for Los Blancos next season.
Thibaut Courtois was the 2022 #tropheeyachine winner! Got a favorite for this year already?!#ballondor pic.twitter.com/xb2WMCqVOJ
— Ballon d’Or #ballondor (@francefootball) June 3, 2023
RB: Dani Carvajal
There have been murmurings that right-back is an area Real Madrid would like to improve on in the next 12-24 months, but Carvajal continues to have the faith of Carlo Ancelotti and, given the need to spend in other areas this summer, he is likely to get at least another season in the Real Madrid defence.
CB: Eder Militao
Forever improving since his arrival from FC Porto in 2019, the Brazilian defender is growing into his role well at the Santiago Bernabeu and, still just 25-years-old, is likely to be there for the foreseeable future too.
😄 @edermilitao 😄 pic.twitter.com/t72tUCOwGJ
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 4, 2023
CB: David Alaba
LB: Alphonso Davies
The first potential major arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu could come in the form of Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies. The Canadian has revealed that he is unhappy with the chaos at the Allianz arena at board level, and his agents have reportedly even been in talks with the Spanish giants over a potential move.
Ferland Mendy is often on the injury table, and while Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba have both impressed when used there, it is felt that another defender will be added this summer.
Alphonso Davies agent Nedal Huoseh: “There seems to be too much instability and uncertainty about the direction of Bayern now”, told BILD. 🚨🔴🇨🇦
“Maybe it’s better if we wait until 2024 and see how things develop with the club before we move on to a new contract”. pic.twitter.com/XcOYcsis42
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2023
DM: Aurelian Tchouameni
Growing into his new role nicely at the base of midfield, he will be part of Real Madrid’s new look side heading into next season and will likely rotate with Eduardo Camavinga for Ancelotti’s side next season.
🚨🎖️| Aurélien Tchouaméni is one of Real Madrid’s great hopes for the future. Despite reports, the player is guaranteed to stay. @MarioCortegana, @GuillerRai pic.twitter.com/HcLJc3D4Te
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 30, 2023
CM: Jude Bellingham
The man that everyone wanted this summer, and Real Madrid got him. Setting them back over 100m euros, the Borussia Dortmund man is set to make the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he will be one of the first names on the teamsheet next season injuries permitting.
🚨 Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid, here we go! Agreement in place with Borussia Dortmund. It’s done deal.
Fee: €100m plus add-ons.
Bellingham will sign six year deal valid until June 2029 agreed in April.
Medical tests already booked as Madrid wanted to get it done this week. pic.twitter.com/0HFT9CUs15
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023
CM: Federico Valverde
Often thrust onto the right hand side, Valverde reportedly wants to return to a more central role this season, which will free up another player to join the Real Madrid attack. More than capable of reverting back to a central role, the Uruguayan could form an excellent partnership with Bellingham.
RW: Rodrygo
Increasingly important to Real Madrid last season, Rodrygo has made the step from bit-part player to challenging for a first team spot and will continue to hold down his place next season despite competition from the returning Brahim Diaz.
🎶 Hola, ¿qué tal? Soy el chico de las remontadas…@RodrygoGoes | #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/gYZcc5NVNS
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 26, 2023
ST: Harry Kane
Karim Benzema’s departure has left Ancelotti’s side scrambling for a replacement, but the most obvious is Harry Kane. With one year left on his contract, he would cost around £100m and would leave Los Blancos not facing too much of a downgrade on the current Ballon D’or Holder next season, a move that could help them wrestle back trophies both domestically and across Europe.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Sunday April 30, 2023. 2PWFE1B Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Sunday April 30, 2023. (Alamy Stock Photo)
LW: Vinicius Jr
Now the undisputed star of the Real Madrid side, Vinicius Jr will be a Real Madrid player next season barring a major change or a desire to take a stand against the racism he has faced in the last 12 months.
Managing 10 goals and 10 assists in La Liga last season, he will be expected to kick on once more next campaign.
🌟 @ViniJr iguala su récord goleador de la temporada pasada.
🎯 22 goles en 2022/23
🅰️ 14 asistencias en 2022/23#RealFootball | #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/hGthKT9hiH— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 26, 2023
How we expect them to line up