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 is almost certain to make 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, will join 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 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 is still sidelined with an ACL injury, but the Belgian is not at risk of being replaced at the Bernabeu.

Centre-back has also been a problem spot for Real this season due to injuries, with Eder Militao and David Alaba also suffering ACL tears. The former has been sidelined since the opening day of the season and Antonio Rudiger has blossomed in his place, with the German now arguably Ancelotti's first-choice defender.

Where they may be change for Real in the summer is in the full-back positions, areas that the Spanish side could do with strengthening. Ferland Mendy on the left and Dani Carvajal on the right are not bad options, but the 14-time European champions would be wise to bolster their wide defence this summer.

On the left flank, Alphonso Davies would be the dream addition. The Bayern Munich defender has been regularly linked with the Spanish capital and would fit perfectly at Real, with his blistering pace and attacking quality enabling 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 having been the standout right-back in the division this season - although he actually features at wing-back for Bayer Leverkusen. The Netherlands international is another attacking threat in wide areas, producing a staggering 19 goal contributions already this term.

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

One area Real don't necessarily need to strengthen this summer is the engine room.

Assuming Ancelotti persists with the 4-3-1-2 system that has worked well for his side this season, Real will line up with three central midfielders. The base of those three is likely to be Aurelien Tchoaumeni, the talented Frenchman having enjoyed more regular game time this term after a settling period in Spain.

Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are likely to feature either side of Tchouameni in the number eight positions, both players providing great balance to Real's midfield trio. The Uruguayan would operate in more advanced positions, but the defensive work ethic of the central three would offer Real's attacking stars a solid foundation.

However, the futures of veteran duo Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are uncertain, with both midfielders out of contract this summer. If either chooses to call time on their illustrious spells at Real, the Spanish side will need to recruit some replacements in the transfer market.

Forwards

If Ancelotti doubles down on his current system that sees a number ten operate behind two strikers, the forward triumvirate more or less picks itself.

In the attacking midfield role, there will be Jude Bellingham, the Englishman having been a revelation since swapping Borussia Dortmund for Real last summer. The 20-year-old will only improve as those around him become stronger, with the all-action midfielder capable of playing deeper or as part of a front two at the Bernabeu.

The strike partnership will be made up of Vinicius Junior and, of course, Kylian Mbappe, a duo that will strike fear into any and all opponents. The Brazilian has featured in a front two this season and has performed wonderfully in that role, often drifting wide when needed and using his pace to make darting runs through on goal.

Mbappe doesn't necessarily love playing as a centre-forward, but would be borderline unstoppable in that attacking trio. Featuring to Vinicius Junior's left, the 25-year-old could start wider and drift into an inside forward position, allowing him more opportunities to iNFLuence play in the build-up of attacks.

With Rodrygo, Real also have a fantastic option on the bench, and someone who has thrived playing as part of a forward duo this term. However, there remains the possibility that Ancelotti will look to add a more orthodox number nine to his side, providing Real don't make Joselu's loan deal permanent this summer.

Potential Real Madrid lineup after the 2024 summer transfer window

(4-3-1-2): Courtois; Frimpong, Rudiger, Alaba, Davies; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe.

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