“Click here and get latest Transfer news
After a disappointing season that ended without a major trophy, Real Madrid are looking to strengthen their squad this summer ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Big changes are on the horizon for the world’s biggest club. Not only is Xabi Alonso set to replace Carlo Ancelotti, but Real Madrid are also preparing to sign and welcome several new players to the Spanish capital. While reports of moves for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen have made headlines, the club is now focusing on strengthening their midfield.
MARCA reports that Real Madrid held a video conference with the representatives of 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono. No bid has been made for the Argentine, but he is said to be on Los Blancos’ radar after his impressive season with River Plate. If Real Madrid are to sign Mastantuono, however, they will have to pay his €45 million ($51.3 million) release clause.
The Spanish giants are also said to be keeping an eye on Exequiel Palacios from Bayer Leverkusen. The Argentine was close to joining Real Madrid in 2019, but the deal fell through after an injury. Now, six years later, Palacios could be heading to Madrid alongside Alonso. After all, he fits the profile of a player who won’t break the bank for a transfer fee.
Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller and AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders are also mentioned in the report. The two midfielders have seen what is arguably a European night at the Santiago Bernabéu this season; Real Madrid have played Stuttgart and AC Milan in the first leg of the Champions League, with Reijnders even finding the net in the Rossoneri’s 3-1 win over Ancelotti’s side.
Each of the four players will give Real Madrid a boost in their bid for the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Eduardo Camavinga is expected to miss the tournament after completely tearing his left adductor tendon, and Jude Bellingham could also miss some time if he undergoes surgery to correct a recurring shoulder injury.
The first of two summer transfer windows opens on June 1. Real Madrid have until June 10 to sign new players before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament has a record prize money of $1 billion and gives Los Blancos the chance to bring back a much-needed trophy for Madrid.