How Real Madrid could line up after 2024 summer transfer window

It's set to be a colossal summer transfer window at Real Madrid thanks to one man; Kylian Mbappe.

The Frenchman has finally made his long, long-awaited move to the Santiago Bernabeu after years of flirtation and tiresome transfer sagas. The World Cup winner, arguably the best player on the planet, has joined a star-studded Real squad overseen by wise veteran Carlo Ancelotti.

However, Mbappe may not be the only new addition in the Spanish capital. Real, who'll head into 2024/25 as La Liga and Champions League holders, have several other areas in their squad in need of a fresh lick of paint and the La Liga giants are never shy in splashing the cash.

Here's how Real Madrid could line up following the 2024 summer transfer window.

Goalkeeper & defenders

Real have endured rotten luck with defensive injuries this season, with a host of key players spending significant spells on the treatment table. That includes goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who missed much of 2023/24 after tearing his ACL but returned before the end of the season and started the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

Reserve shot-stopper Andriy Lunin impressed in his absence and could remain Courtois' deputy, but the Ukrainian may fancy leaving the club in favour of regular opportunities elsewhere.

Centre-back was also a problem spot for Real last season due to injuries, with Eder Militao and David Alaba also suffering ACL tears. The former missed the majority of the campaign after sustaining his long-term injury on the opening day of the season, while Alaba has been out since December. The Austrian should be good to go by the start of 2024/25.

The coveted teenager Leny Yoro is keen on a move to the Spanish capital, and he could come in as a replacement for captain Nacho Fernandez. The veteran defender is set to sign for Al Qadisiyah, who've earned promotion into the Saudi Pro League.

Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy each enjoyed superb seasons at full-back, although Madrid's left flank could be bolstered by Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies. Speculation has been rife since January, with Davies' performances suffering during the second half of the season as a result. The Canadian's standout moment down the stretch arrived at the Bernabeu during the second leg of Bayern's Champions League semi-final against his potential future employers.

Davies would compete fiercely with Mendy for a starting berth should he make the switch to La Liga, although the Canadian international's future won't be sorted until after the Copa America. His blistering pace and attacking quality will enable him to transfer his superstar status to Madrid with few issues.

On the other flank, there could be another signing from the Bundesliga, with Jeremie Frimpong emerging as the standout right-back in the division last season - although he features as a wing-back for Bayer Leverkusen. The Netherlands international is another attacking threat in wide areas and can be utilised in the front three if required. While Leverkusen are expected to retain the majority of their title-winners, Frimpong is seen as one who could move on this summer.

If Real were to sign the defensive dynamos from Germany, Ancelotti may be fearful of playing two such offensive-minded players in the same team, but they would certainly be individuals worthy of donning the fabled white jersey.

Midfielders

Despite Toni Kroos' retirement, one area Real don't necessarily need to strengthen this summer is the engine room

Ancelotti could subtly drift away from the 4-3-1-2 which was prominent last season and opt for a more traditional 4-3-3 with Jude Bellingham set to play a deeper role having starred as a box-crasher from a more advanced position during his debut campaign.

Federico Valverde endured a bit of a drop-off during the second-half of the season, with the Uruguayan international burning out somewhat down the stretch having been used relentlessly by Ancelotti. Still, Valverde would be expected to operate one of the #8 positions opposite Bellingham.

Madrid will also have veteran Luka Modric to call upon after he extended his deal in the Spanish capital. Modric was used sporadically by Ancelotti last season, and 2024/25 will surely be his last dance at the Bernabeu.

Frenchmen Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni will battle it out for the starting berth at the base of Madrid's midfield. Tchouameni was regarded as the starter for much of 2023/24, but he missed the end of the season through injury which allowed Camavinga to shine in his absence. The former Rennes starlet was particularly impressive in the Champions League final.

Forwards

So, how will Madrid line up with Kylian Mbappe in the side? The French superstar likes to occupy the same zones as Vinicius Junior, which could lead to some teething issues at the start of next season.

However, Ancelotti is the ultimate problem-solver and there's no doubt he'll find a way of ensuring the pair work in harmony. Mbappe is more likely to lead the line with Vinicius starting wide left, although plenty of rotation will occur to befuddle defences and keep both players happy.

The Italian often told Rodrygo, stationed on the right of Madrid's front two, to drift over and overload the left-hand side with Bellingham and Vinicius. That ploy likely won't be required given Mbappe's presence and we could see Rodrygo, who endured an up-and-down 2023/24 season perform a more traditional role down the right flank.

There are a lack of back-up options behind Rodrygo, so this is an area Madrid could target in the transfer window. Neither Mbappe or Vinicius particularly enjoy operating down the right, with Rodrygo set to perform a selfless function in order to provide balance to the front three. Much of Rodrygo's good work last season arrived down the left when Vinicius was out injured.

The club were also expected to sign reserve striker Joselu permanently off the back of his productive loan spell, but the Spaniard is now poised to join Qatari outfit Al Gharafa. Ancelotti is said to have been left surprised by the 34-year-old's decision, and Madrid will now have to target a new back-up striker.

Potential Real Madrid lineup after the 2024 summer transfer window

(4-3-3): Courtois; Frimpong, Rudiger, Alaba, Davies; Tchouameni, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.

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