Transfer window analysis: who has Real Madrid already bought and what positions should they bring in?

Real Madrid did not defend their La Liga or Champions League title last season. The goal for next season is therefore clear, to return to the top, ideally in both competitions. How does the Madrid transfer window look so far?

Although the summer has only just begun, Real Madrid have already been very active. Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard, Mariano Díaz and Karim Benzema have all left the club, Álvaro Odriozola is also on his way out and Ferland Mendy is being tempted by clubs from Arabia.

Arrivals

President Florentino Pérez has also already made some decent additions to the squad. After the good performances at Rayo, he decided to buy back Frano García, a fast-footed left-back. Brahim Díaz, who also returns to the Bernabéu to fight for a place, has also looked decent on loan at AC Milan.

After that, Real Madrid reached for the most expensive transfer of the summer so far and the 13th most expensive in history. Jude Bellingham arrived from Borussia Dortmund for 103 million euros. To reinforce the attack, 33-year-old Joselu arrived on a one-year loan from Espanyol. The Spanish international netted 16 goals last season.

Arda Güler is the latest arrival so far. The 18-year-old Turkish super-talent, for whom Real were in a tug of war with Barcelona, can play either at number ten or as a right winger.

Defence and midfield sorted

So where else should Real Madrid strengthen? Let’s go through the squad one by one. There is no need to change anything in goal, with Andriy Lunin backing up Thibaut Courtois as the current best goalkeeper in the world.

Dani Carvajal will continue to play right-back and Lucas Vázquez will be the number two. There might be a need for reinforcements here, as Carvajal’s performances are starting to fluctuate a bit with age and Vázquez is not a fullback but a converted midfielder.

However, there are reports from Madrid that this pairing should start next season as well. However, there is talk of interest in Achraf Hakimi or Reece James in the future.

There is no need to change anything with the stoppers. Ancelotti relies on the trio of David Alaba, Éder Militao and Antonio Rüdiger. They are joined by the versatile and, from the new season, captain Nacho, who can also play on both ends of the defence. The fifth stopper is Jesús Vallejo, who is more of a number player.

At left-back, Real have Ferland Mendy, who is being discussed for a possible departure. That’s why Fran García has returned, and there is also speculation about the arrival of Alphonso Davies. If the Canadian doesn’t come, Eduardo Camavinga or Nacho can also fill in at that position.

If there is somewhere Real Madrid are overstretched and don’t need to strengthen, it’s the centre of midfield. The experienced duo of Toni Kroos – Luka Modric is joined by several talented youngsters. Frenchmen Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, tireless worker Federico Valverde and, more recently, one of the world’s greatest talents, Jude Bellingham.

In addition, Dani Ceballos has signed a new contract, and he may not get as much space, but Real wanted to keep the skilful midfielder for over the next season, when Kroos and Modric will most likely finish their careers.

The need for a new striker

Arda Güler is also a new addition to the squad, he reminds Mesut Özil in his style, he can also play both on the sub and on the right flank of the attack.

The left wing is safely occupied by Vinícius, Rodrygo will operate on the right side or on the tip, Joselu will be more of a valid substitute. On the right wing, Brahim will fight for a place in the starting line-up, Valverde can also play there. But that’s the end of the list of Real’s strikers.

It is not so difficult to guess that it is at the tip of the attack that Real must necessarily strengthen. And you can probably see who it will be. The saga regarding the arrival of Kylian Mbappé has been going on for three years now and it looks like it might finally work out.

The spiky striker is thus practically the only place in the lineup where Real still desperately need to strengthen after Benzema’s departure. The arrival of Davies would certainly be a welcome boost, but not necessarily a needed one.

Real Madrid squad:

Courtois
Lunin

Carvajal – Militao – Alaba – Mendy
Lucas – Rudiger – Nacho – García
Vallejo

Kroos – Bellingham – Camavinga
Modric – Tchouaméni – Ceballos

Valverde – Rodrygo – Vinícius
Güler – Joselu – Brahim

Source: Real Madrid, Transfermarkt