Real Madrid begin training for the 2024-25 season on Monday, looking to repeat last season's domestic and European double and with an attack that looks on paper to be arguably the best in Europe.
Kylian Mbappe will be presented as a new Real Madrid player in a packed Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday, while 17-year-old Brazilian international Endrick will become another new arrival for the coming season after celebrating his 18th birthday next week.
They join a side that already contains Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham, with Turkish international Arda Guler also available after impressing at the end of his first, injury-hit season at the club.
It's going to be a slow start for coach Carlo Ancelotti, however, the European Championship and Copa America mean he only has six first-team players available for the first day back to work.
A fit-again Thibaut Courtois, Fran Garcia, Lucas Vazquez, Jesus Vallejo, Dani Ceballos and Brahim take to the pitch at their Valdebebas training ground, with members of the Real Madrid B-team (Real Madrid Castilla) making up the numbers.
Only two players have left the squad in the close season, with forward Joselu moving to Qatar and experienced Spain international defender Nacho Fernandez going to play in Saudi Arabia.
Mbappe and Endrick should more than cover from Joselu, although the club may consider moving into the transfer market to replace Nacho, especially as it's not certain when David Alaba will recover after his knee injury he suffered last season.
Real Madrid's pre-season will see them play three preparation games against AC Milan, FC Barcelona and Chelsea, along the east-coast of the United States, before returning to Spain to prepare for the European Supercup against Atalanta in Warsaw on August 14.
Ancelotti's side kicks off their La Liga title defense in Mallorca four days later, with Mbappe and Endrick likely to make their home debuts against newly promoted Valladolid the following week.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)