For the longest time, it seemed like Real Madrid could improve no more. The club has been meticulously crafted over the last few years by Florentino Perez and Carlo Ancelotti in the transfer window, to the point of near-perfection. This was demonstrated in the 2023/24 season, when Los Blancos recorded a pretty memorable treble-winning season.
But where does the future lie for Real Madrid? Well, they are linked closely to some big names. At the current stage, they have already signed Endrick and Kylian Mbappe. So, with these new arrivals and Carlo Ancelotti's further transfer plans, here is how Real Madrid could lineup next season...
How Real Madrid may lineup next season with Carlo Ancelotti's transfers
Goalkeeper and Defence
Next season, Thibaut Courtois will reclaim his place between the sticks. The experienced goalkeeper is obviously the preferred choice over Andriy Lunin, who did well to step in but could be sold this summer.
In front of him, Courtois could be protected by a centre back partnership of Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao, with Piero Hincapie providing backup. Piero Hincapie would be Real Madrid's third addition to the squad this summer and being at he is tipped to become their next signing, being on the Real Madrid transfer shortlist. However, he will not walk straight into the team.
On the right hand side of the defence, Dani Carvajal will continue doing what he does best. Carvajal is still just 32 years old so he has a few years left of playing at the highest level. On the left, Ferland Mendy will continue to be the number one choice for Ancelotti, at least until Davies becomes available on a free next summer.
Midfield
The biggest area of concern is Toni Kroos, or should I say, the lack of Toni Kroos. He will retire, meaning Jude Bellingham could drop deeper into the midfield to cover. He will of course be joined by Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, with the likes of Tchouameni and Ceballos providing depth from the bench.
Attack
Given the new additions in the summer transfer window, Ancelotti's best course of action may be to introduce a front three. It will be a fluid front three of Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior.
How Carlo Ancelotti plans to set up this front three remains to be seen but he is blessed with fluidity. They could either play with a centre forward and two wingers, or two strikers and one sitting just behind. Only Ancelotti is best-placed to make that call.
Full Real Madrid lineup
Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Militao, Mendy; Camavinga, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
The lineup does leave significant absentees, such as Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Brahim Diaz, Fran Garcia, Dani Ceballos and David Alaba. However, this only means that the depth acquired by Real Madrid is the best in the world.
What would be your Real Madrid lineup for next season?