While Real Madrid may have won La Liga and a 14th UCL title last season, there remains a sense that Los Blancos are at the beginning of a transitional period.
For example, midfield talisman Luka Modric is now 37 years old, while his right-hand man in the centre of the park (Toni Kroos) turned 33 in January.
Even recent Balon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is now 34, while key performers like Dani Carvajal and David Alaba are both now the wrong side of 30.
Fortunately, the evolution has already begun in Madrid, in the form of exciting new signings and some selected academy players. But how is the next generation of Madrid stars taking shape, and which players could be added in the future?
A Glimpse at Madrid’s Young Stars
One player who has gradually earned his first-team stripes is Federico Valverde, who recently scored and impressed in a 3-1 win over El Clasico rivals Barcelona.
The winger turned central midfielder has certainly added pace and dynamism to a technically gifted midfielder, with his ball carrying skills showcased superbly as he assisted teammate Vinícius Junior’s winning goal in last season’s UCL final against Liverpool.
As for Vinícius, the 22-year-old Brazilian enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2021/22, scoring 22 goals in 52 outings and laying on countless more for his teammates.
In the midfield, Madrid have recently invested heavily in new signings. First came the talented, box-to-box midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who signed from Rennes in the summer of 2021 and played a pivotal role as Real Madrid dramatically won their UCL semi-final against Manchester City at the Bernabéu Stadium.
French anchor-man Aurélien Tchouaméni also signed for around €80 million in the summer, subsequently becoming a regular starter and one who has added pace and aggression to Madrid’s midfield.
These players are just 19 and 22 respectively, and look to be long-term successors to Madrid’s well-established midfield.
Who Could Madrid Look to Add to Their Squad?
As we’ve already touched on, Madrid are at the beginning of their evolution, so there’s every chance that the side will add new players to their roster in the months ahead.
You can use the code NEWBONUS for a linebet promo code to bet on Madrid’s next signings, but one player who’s being continually linked is Manchester United’s right back Diego Dalot.
Dalot has impressed under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag, while he also remains Portugal’s first choice right back ahead of some stiff competition. However, his contract ends next summer, and while the Reds have the option to extend for a further year, they could choose to cash in during the summer if negotiations stall.
Recently, the Portuguese’s agent confirmed that Dalot is unlikely to sign a new deal at Old Trafford as things stand, making his departure a real probability.
Other potential targets include the precocious Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, with the 17-year-old considered to be one of the best young forwards in the game.
To date, he has scored nine goals in 53 matches since his debut in 2020, while his pace and movement earmark as a genuine threat against any defence regardless of his tender age.
Another forward target exists in the form of Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby, who’s currently valued at around €70 million.
To date, the 23-year-old has scored 37 goals and provided an impressive 41 assists in just 139 games for the Bundesliga side, and would represent a welcome addition to Madrid’s transitioning squad.
