How Los Blancos could line up in 2023/24

Despite sealing a consolatory Copa del Rey crown, the 2022/23 season was one of bitter disappointment for Real Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side were comfortably beaten to the La Liga title by Clasico rivals Barcelona, while eventual treble winners Manchester City swatted them aside in the Champions League just a game out from the final.

Florentino Perez will be determined to help the club quickly rediscover the highs of 2021/22, and a policy of quality over quantity seems to have been undertaken for the summer transfer window. Real have already acquired the services of one of Europe’s most exciting midfield talents, but they could start the season with arguably the world’s best on their books as well.

Here’s how Real Madrid could line up for the 2023/24 season.

GK: Thibaut Courtois – Not even Courtois’ heroics could prevent Real from succumbing to a sky blue thrashing at the Etihad which ended their hopes of retaining their Champions League crown. The Belgian is one of the world’s best between the sticks and his status as Real’s number one isn’t up for debate.

RB: Dani Carvajal – Achraf Hakimi has been linked with a reunion in the Spanish capital, but it’s hard to envisage Real spending big on a right-back if they want to bring a certain French forward to the club. The reliable Carvajal should continue as the club’s first choice.

CB: Eder Militao – The Brazilian’s status has ascended considerably over the past 18 months and is now regarded as one of Europe’s best centre-backs following an excellent season. Militao’s emerged as a cornerstone of Ancelotti’s side.

CB: Antonio Rudiger – Rudiger was a major free agent coup last summer, but it felt as if his debut season was a fairly quiet one given his bombastic nature even if it didn’t disappoint. The Germany international should once again be a regular starter for Los Blancos next summer. His partnership with Militao is a fearsome one.

LB: David Alaba – Ancelotti has several left-back options heading into next season, including captain Nacho Fernandez and the talented Ferland Mendy. While Alaba primarily functioned at the heart of Real’s defence last season, he made ten appearances from left-back and his utilisation out wide would allow Ancelotti to deploy the stout aforementioned centre-back partnership.

READ THE LATEST REAL MADRID NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP

CM: Edouardo Camavinga – While there have been tenuous links with a move away, Camavinga is expected to remain in the Spanish capital this summer after playing a key role for Real down the stretch last season, especially in the Champions League. The Frenchman has all the tools to develop into one of the world’s best and is currently ahead of Aurelien Tchouameni in the depth chart after the former Monaco man’s indifferent debut season.

CM: Toni Kroos – Kroos remains one of the smoothest performers around and Real recently confirmed both he and Luka Modric have penned one-year extensions to stay in Madrid. While Modric’s role is expected to diminish next season, Kroos, four years Modric’s junior, should remain a major part of Ancelotti’s plans after another fine campaign.

CM: Jude Bellingham – The big-money arrival should slot straight into Real’s impressively strong midfield. Modric and Federico Valverde will also be vying for minutes in the two number eight roles. Bellingham may not be an instant starter in Spain but Florentino Perez hasn’t signed him to be a long-term project. They want the England international to help Real win now.

RW: Rodrygo – The slight Brazilian winger had long been upstaged by his compatriot on the opposite flank, but Rodrygo came into his own last season. The 22-year-old notched 17 La Liga goal contributions and seven in the Champions League amid his ‘breakout’ campaign which finally saw him emerge as a regular for Los Blancos. He’s made the right wing spot his own.

ST: Kylian Mbappe – Can they get the big one done? You can never bet against Mr Perez. The situation surrounding Mbappe is a complex one and it’s a sage that’s bound to envelop the entire summer window. Real may find it tough to finance a move after going big on Bellingham, but Perez will not want to miss an opportunity to sign the Frenchman if he’s desperate to leave PSG. Mbappe’s only feasible destination appears to be the Spanish capital.

LW: Vinicius Junior – Vinicius’ 2021/22 season saw him ascend to superstar status and while his 2022/23 campaign wasn’t quite as productive, he’s already emerged as the new face of this football behemoth.

LISTEN NOW

On this week’s edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Toby Cudworth is joined by Graeme Bailey and Sean Walsh to discuss the latest transfer news. On the agenda is Arsenal’s approach for Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, the exodus of Chelsea players to Saudi Arabia, Moises Caicedo, Kyle Walker, Man Utd’s goalkeeper plans & more!

If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!