There’s fewer situations in football more intimidating than Real Madrid but I can name one of them – a wounded Real Madrid.
Runners-up in La Liga, beaten finalists in the Copa del Rey and knocked out of the Champions League as holders at the quarter-final stage, they went from top dogs in Spain, Europe and the world to being the nearly boys in 2024-25.
If that was a sad end to Carlo Ancelotti’s reign in the Spanish capital – his legacy remains top notch – then attention has quickly turned to how they bounce back to reclaim the crown of Spain’s number one and the trophy they crave most of all – the Champions League.
Even before Ancelotti waved goodbye to take on the Brazilian national team job – and few would bet against him returning the glory days to the Selecao – the task of returning the side to being top dogs at home and abroad has begun.
It’s more than a week since it was announced Los Blancos were signing one of the most sought-after defenders in the game in the shape of Dean Huijsen.
At Bournemouth, under the guidance of Andoni Iraola, he transformed into one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.
In total, he racked up 36 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with three goals and two assists and was named Bournemouth’s official Player of the Season.
With no shortage of suitors, no wonder Madrid, pipped by Manchester United last summer to the signing of Lenny Yoro, acted so decisively to trigger his £50 million release clause and land a centre back who seems set to have a big future in the game.
In recent days, they have also secured the signing of full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold who has left his boyhood club Liverpool – another name who will lead to the SBOTOP La Liga 2025 betting odds being slashed in their favour when it comes to next term.
Madrid could have had him on a free in July but new boss Xabi Alonso wanted to sign him ahead of this month’s newly fangled Club World Cup so they have paid a fee for his services which means the attacking full-back is available to play for his new club in the group stages against Pachuca, Al-Hilal and RB Salzburg.
Short term extensions were also agreed with club captain Luka Modric and veteran defender Lucas Vazquez and the pair will both play in the expanded tournament which kicks off on June 14 with their first game against Al Hilal on June 18. That is followed by Group H clashes with Pachuca on June 22 and RB Salzburg on June 26 before the potential start of a knockout stage campaign from June 30/July 1.
Looking past that competition though, the obvious question now is, who else will follow Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold in joining the Madistras?
If reports are to be believed, Los Blancos are in negotiations with Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras and will then turn their attentions to a midfield target.
It’s unlikely but they could yet pull off a coup with the signature of Bayer Leverkusen and German starlet Florian Wirtz.
The fact that Alonso, who was Wirtz’s former manager at Leverkusen, has taken charge at Madrid prompted the belief that the Germany international could be tempted to snub Liverpool in favour of a blockbuster move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
There is no doubt that the playmaker would be a fantastic signing for Real Madrid but there are questions about whether he is absolutely necessary. Rodrygo may well leave this summer but Alonso would already have a lot of strength in attacking position – such as Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz – so there is scope to suggest that there is no need for a signing to be made in this area.
Even before they strengthened, they surely can’t have the same amount of ill fortune they suffered this term.
Absences certainly seriously harmed Real Madrid, particularly the season-ending injuries sustained by Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal in the autumn.
Once that duo is back, and Real have new players settled and in place, the general feeling is that they will remain a major force with both La Liga 2025 highlights and a shot at European success realistic – and all this after a campaign they somehow branded as disappointing, despite claiming the UEFA Super Cup and World Club titles.
All focus is now on 43-year-old Alonso as he returns to the club where he won six titles.
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