Real Madrid Summer Transfer Window 2024 Analysis: Strategy, Needs, Areas for Improvement and Financial Capabilities

Real Madrid’s Performance in the 2023/24 Season

Having finished 2^nd in LaLiga in the 2022/23 season, Real Madrid bounced back in style to reclaim the crown from FC Barcelona, beating them to the 2023/24 title by 10 points in return.

They made a strong start to the campaign and ended up having one of the club’s best seasons in recent history. Los Blancos won an incredible 29 of their 38 games and drew eight, losing just once in an incredible season domestically.

Real also won the UEFA Champions League title for a record 15^th time and did it in some style. They topped Group C ahead of Napoli, winning each of their six games in the process. They defeated RB Leipzig, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund en-route to the title.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid lifted the Supercopa de Espana with a 4-1 thumping of Barcelona in the final, but were knocked out of the Copa del Rey after a 4-2 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the round of 16.

Transfer Strategy

Over the last several years, Real Madrid have maintained their focus on acquiring the brightest prospects in world football, focusing the majority of their finances in those pursuits. This has ensured the squad keeps refreshing every five or six years, while remaining a blend of experienced and young players alike.

Last season, they acquired Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in a monumental deal worth €103 million, which turned out to be a master-stroke. They also signed 18-year-old Turkish sensation Arda Guler from Fenerbahce for €20 million. Now, ahead of the 2024/25 season, the Spanish giants have acquired Kylian Mbappe from PSG on a free transfer, and have also completed the signing of Endrick from Palmeiras for €47.50 million.

Toni Kroos’ retirement and Luka Modric knocking on the same door means Carlo Ancelotti will have to put his team into proper transition in the upcoming season. However, they will do their best to not let their level drop.

Squad Needs & Areas of Improvement

Goalkeeper

With Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan set to expire on June 30, Los Blancos will be left with just two senior ‘keepers in Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin. They will need to add another in case the latter decides to leave and will need at least three goalkeepers regardless.

Defenders

Having suffered injury setbacks to key players in the recently-concluded season, they will look to add reinforcements to avoid the same situation.

Striker

Adding Endrick and Mbappe will cover their immediate needs, but considering the Brazilian is only 17 and the Frenchman will need rest from time to time, it will be worth investing in a third option.

Real Madrid Transfer Window 2024: Potential Signings & Top Targets

With most of the squad already complete, Real Madrid will dive into the market only to secure players in positions that absolutely need to be covered.

Riccardo Calafiori

The defender had a great season for Bologna in Serie A last time around, making 30 appearances and chipping in with two goals and five assists. He has also played well for Italy at Euro 2024 and provided a crucial assist in their last-gasp draw against Croatia, but will miss the next game due to a suspension. Aged just 22, signing Calafiori would be a huge step forward in securing the club’s future.

Leny Yoro

Aged just 18, the youngster has broken onto the European football scene after a wonderful season for Lille. He made 44 appearances for the French side, scoring three goals in the process. Considering Real Madrid already have a strong French contingent, adding Yoro would make a lot of sense.

Franco Mastantuono

Aged just 16, the youngster has already become a key member of River Plate’s first team. However, Real Madrid will have to wait until the player turns 18 for him to formally join. He made 18 appearances last season, scoring two goals and providing one assist, and seems like a promising player.

Real Madrid’s Financial Capabilities

Due to their constant and consistent success, the inflow of cash in terms of prize money has always ensured Los Blancos have a strong presence in the transfer market. They can virtually sign any player they want and usually do not get bullied into overpaying.

Budget Overview

Despite having a negative net spend last season, Real will be good for any moves they wish to make. They gained €1.50 million from six-player sales and spent €49 million on acquiring new talent for a net negative of €-47.50 million.

Financial Fair Play (FFP)

As one of the premier footballing institutions in world football, Los Blancos would be remiss not to have all their bases covered. Knowing when to let go of players has been a skill the club’s hierarchy have shown in the last few years, which helps them balance the books.

Strategic Spending

Real ensure they follow their strategy to the dot in every transfer window and rarely make an error in recruitment.

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