Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, Football, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Marcus Chan
Topics: Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, Football, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Real Madrid are set to be active this summer as they look to provide Xabi Alonso with a squad capable of challenging on all fronts.
Last week, the appointment of Alonso was confirmed after a period of speculation.
The Spaniard said: "Madridistas, I'm delighted to see you again, and to be back at the club.
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"The bond has always been there, but now from the inside I'm very excited and energised so that we can all be proud of the team, enjoy ourselves, and celebrate great things. Hala Madrid!"
Looking ahead, Madrid are set to bring in some new faces. Premier League duo Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold have already been snapped up.
It has also been heavily reported that Madrid are looking to bring in Benfica full-back Alvaro Carreras.
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Meanwhile, Los Blancos have also been linked with players like Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart, Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez.
Ahead of the Alonso era, we have decided to have a go at predicting Madrid's starting XI for the new campaign.
Starting in goal will be Thibaut Courtois, who remains as one of the best goalkeepers in world football.
Alonso often played a 3-4-3 formation during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, meaning Huijsen could be joined by Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao in defence.
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Alexander-Arnold and Carreras will operate as wing-backs, with Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham in midfield.
Up top, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr will provide for striker Kylian Mbappe.
On Friday morning, it was officially confirmed that Madrid have paid a fee to Liverpool in order to sign Alexander-Arnold early.
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A statement read: "Real Madrid C. F. and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement by which Trent Alexander-Arnold is linked to our club for the next six seasons, from June 1, 2025 to June 30, 2031.
"Alexander-Arnold will play with Real Madrid the Club World Cup to be held in the United States from June 14."