Real Madrid 2023 pre-season overview: start date, friendly matches, squad moves, travel plans, and gathering spots
Real Madrid eyes a season of reclamation after recent triumphs in the European Super Cup, the Club World Cup, and the Copa del Rey. The club aims to reclaim La Liga and the Champions League titles following a strong 2022-2023 showing.
Real Madrid 2023 pre-season: when it begins, friendlies, transfers, squad selection, travel, and meeting points
Real Madrid 2023 pre-season: when does it start
The preparation for the 2023-2024 campaign begins on Monday, July 10, 2023. Players will first undergo medical tests before starting training at Valdebebas and then travel to the United States. The international players join a bit later, on July 20, just before the team departs for the U.S.
The latest signing is Arda Güler, who still had a week of vacation left but expressed his determination to secure a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. He informed the club that he would forgo those days to join teammates who start training on Monday.
Pre-season schedule: trips and training camps
As is customary, Real Madrid will conduct the bulk of its pre-season in the United States. The club will base itself in Los Angeles, utilizing facilities at UCLA. The opening friendly is slated for July 23, when Madrid faces Milan. After that match, the squad will move to Houston for a game against Manchester United on July 26. A highly anticipated clash follows on July 29, when Real Madrid meets Barcelona in Dallas. The U.S. tour concludes with a match against Juventus on August 2 in Orlando.
Louie Gonzalez
Pre-season fixtures and squad decisions
Real Madrid 2023 transfers and squad selection
Madrid has already announced five signings: Fran Garcia, Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham, Joselu, and Arda Güler. The plan reportedly includes adding another striker after Benzema and Mariano left, though apart from an option on Mbappé there does not appear to be a clear alternative that convincingly enhances the squad.
Goalkeepers: Courtois and Lunin.
Defenders: Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez, Odriozola, Alaba, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho, Vallejo, Fran Garcia, and Mendy.
Midfielders: Modric, Kroos, Ceballos, Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Arda, and Bellingham.
Attackers: Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Brahim, and Joselu.
Source: Goal