Mayor of Getafe
Mbappé’s scare continues to ripple through Real Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti already signaling a preference for reinforcements in attack as an alternative to Benzema. The club faces a winter and summer window of possibilities, weighing options that could alter the striking depth for the upcoming campaign.
Italian manager Ancelotti has watched Borja Mayoral as a viable option for the frontline, hoping he can recapture the senior minutes and the lead role he had during his first season. In his 25-year-old form, Mayoral has shown flashes of the early promise he demonstrated when he played 45 games and reached 17 goals in a previous spell. There had been talk that Mayoral could depart on loan to Getafe to gain consistent playing time, but Ancelotti indicated he would consider minutes for him as a substitute to Benzema. Yet Benzema himself has hinted at a move away, seeking more opportunities for the coach’s plans to unfold.
This potential change would widen the pool of options Madrid can rely on, which could be crucial as the club assesses its forward lineup and the balance between youth development and proven experience. The club’s leadership has historically valued the academy pathway, yet the question remains whether a short-term fix or a longer-term strategic shift is preferred for the forward line in the near term.
@GarethBale11 #RMInTheUSA pic.twitter.com/r2ux9UxARp
– Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) 29 July 2022
The alternative considered at times has been to place Eden Hazard in a false nine role. Ancelotti found some success with this arrangement during pre-season, but the arrangement failed to yield convincing results as Hazard did not consistently deliver the required impact. In that scenario Madrid would look for a cheaper striker who can play a secondary role, without stretching the budget. Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez have not been keen on excessive outlays, leading them to rebuff offers for players such as Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling. While Ancelotti admired Jesus, the price proved too high for a substitute role, and Sterling’s move to another club also influenced Madrid’s stance. Arsenal ultimately signed Sterling for a sum that Madrid deemed excessive for a substitute, reinforcing the club’s budget-conscious approach for a complementary forward profile.
From Endrick to Bellingham
In the offices at the Bernabéu, the focus remains on investments in players who can shape the future. The talk centers on young talents from Brazil like Endrick, who is viewed as a long-term project alongside other emerging talents. On the European side, the search for a dynamic creator continues, with Jude Bellingham often highlighted as a central figure in Madrid’s long-term plans. Reports have positioned the English midfielder as a linchpin for the squad, with the price tag reflecting the club’s willingness to back players seen as foundational to the project. Other suitors, including Liverpool and Chelsea, have also weighed in on Bellingham’s future prospects, but Real Madrid remains a leading contender in the negotiation landscape.
Real Madrid also has two players seeking exits. Marco Asensio and Dani Ceballos are both understood to be exploring their options as contracts evolve. Asensio’s current deal nears its end, and the club has presented a renewal proposal that has yet to be answered. Madrid has received approaches that could allow a profitable sale, but the player’s camp has yet to respond decisively. On the other hand, Ceballos has attracted interest from clubs like Betis, where he could feature prominently, though Real Madrid values a transfer that reflects his market worth. Betis remains a possible destination if a price that satisfies Madrid can be reached. These negotiations reflect Madrid’s broader strategy of refreshing the squad while preserving competitive balance across the squad.”
In the broader context, the Real Madrid plan emphasizes a blend of youthful potential and proven reliability, with a mindful eye on financial sustainability and squad depth. The club aims to maintain competitiveness in domestic and European competitions, balancing the needs of current campaigns with the long-term development of a pipeline of talent that can sustain success across multiple seasons. The dynamic transfer environment continues to shape the club’s approach as it navigates opportunities to reinforce the frontline, while also preparing for strategic exits that align with its broader objectives. [Source attribution: internal club discussions and public statements from Real Madrid executives.]