Most Real Madrid fans would admit that the 2022/23 season wasn’t a successful one. Carlo Ancelotti’s men might have lifted the Copa del Rey but their La Liga defence was an utter failure as Barcelona dominated the title race and, in the end, won the title by a margin of 10 points.
Real Madrid were decent in Europe, reaching the Champions League semi-finals before being dumped out by eventual winners Manchester City by an aggregate scoreline of 5-1. In a bid to wrestle back the title from the hands of arch-rivals Barcelona, they have started improving the squad.
Jude Bellingham is the most exciting signing the club has made so far, followed by Turkish talent Arda Guler. Fran Garcia will also be a part of Ancelotti’s squad next season after Real triggered his release clause at Rayo Vallecano, while Joselu has arrived on loan from relegated Espanyol.
With the players off to the United States for the pre-season tour later this month, here are three things to look forward to in Real Madrid’s 2023/24 campaign.
#How will Real Madrid cope without Karim Benzema?
Karim Benzema has left Real Madrid as a legend, undoubtedly one of the greatest players in the club’s history. He also left a massive hole at the premium position in Real’s starting XI.
The French striker’s shock departure to Saudi club Al-Ittihad last month means the Spanish giants have to adequately replace him ahead of the new campaign. Joselu has been brought back to the club—on loan from Espanyol—but there are doubts about whether he would able to lead Real’s attack and score goals consistently.
Rodrygo Goes is a sublime tale, and while he will not provide the kind of prolific goal-scoring Benzema did, he must elevate his game along with his compatriot Vinicius Junior. Surely, there are proven strikers in the market who Real could turn to, but for now, Ancelotti has to devise a plan to cope without the mercurial Benzema.
#Young guns have the opportunity to catch the eye
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid’s newest white crown jewel, has created a lot of buzz following his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund. He is only 20 years old but has the composure, confidence and class of a veteran. The England international is ready to excel in a white shirt and learn from midfield maestros Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Bellingham will be in the starting XI next season, and the Real faithful will be looking to him for hope that the team will have someone to build around in the future. Aurelien Tchouameni will hope to have a better year after a mixed debut campaign while Eduardo Camavinga must look to pick up from where he left last season.
Arda Guler’s addition to the Real ranks is hugely exciting and his huge quality does not come as a surprise, given that it was well-documented during his time at Fenerbahce. Yet, it would be a statement of intent if the Turkish midfielder broke into the first XI at such a tender age.
#Luka Modric’s role
Last month, Luka Modric agreed to extend his contract at Santiago Bernabeu, which sees him tied to the club until June 30, 2024. The Croatian midfield maestro was offered a multi-million contract from a Saudi Arabian club, but he turned it down in order to sign a one-year extension with Los Blancos.
This clearly suggests Modric’s hunger and desire to still compete at the highest level even at the ripe age of 37. He has been indispensable to Real for many years now, but with the midfielder set to turn 38 in a few months’ time and the arrival of young talents such as Bellingham and Guler, it remains to be seen the role Modric plays for Real in the upcoming season.
