Real Madrid squad rebuild starts with Alaba
Madrid foresee changes in the next two years but the transition will not happen overnight, owing to the current economic crisis. Revenue for this season is around €617 million.
"We need a change... The world, without movement, does not evolve". That was Florentino Pérez's statement in the interviews he gave to explain the Super League project when asked about the Real Madrid of the future. The club is aware that it has to start a rebuild to gradually replace that stars that have won so much over the years. There are players like Ramos, Modric, Benzema and Marcelo who are over 30, and new names are yet to come. But in no case will it be an overnight revolution. It will be a progressive rebuild.
Revenue at Madrid drops by €300 million
Madrid understand that the players who form part of this squad can still offer a lot, but also because the economic constraints due to the drop in revenue because of the pandemic slow the intended change. The projected revenue for this season stands at €617 million when it should be closer to €900 million, a difference of almost 300 million. In this case, Real Madrid, without a state or tycoon behind it, will have to plan carefully.
Sales expected this summer
It is clear that before any signings arrive, cash must be generated through sales. The club must also make cuts on the wage bill, which currently stands at €448 million for the almost 800 workers at the club. Among the names that are being linked with moves away are Bale, Jovic, Marcelo, Isco and Ceballos. There are other cases such as Varane, Asensio or Hazard, more highly valued, which must be studied depending on the offers that may come in.
In terms of arrivals, the roadmap is clear. First, they want to bring in the cornerstone of the project. With Hazard ruled out, Madrid want to pull out all the stops to bring in Mbappé this summer. So far, they have achieved their first objective, which is that France forward hasn't renewed his contract. If PSG do not agree to sell him this summer, they will wait for him to be released in 2022.
Haaland set for another year with Dortmund
Haaland is in a similar situation to Mbappé. Like the Frenchman, his desire is to wear the Madrid shirt. But the club have already informed his agent that it would be very difficult for Madrid to deal with such a big operation this summer. Borussia Dortmund's qualification for the Champions League enables the Norwegian to continue for one more season with the Bundesliga outfit. There is an agreement between Raiola and Dortmund to facilitate his departure after another season at the German club.
Alaba to join Real Madrid
The other new name for next season is Alaba, another big deal for Real Madrid, as the Austrian is free and comes at zero cost. Only a signing-on bonus has to be paid to the player's father and Alaba will earn the same salary as Ramos, €12 million net per season. He is 28 years old and has five years of top-level football ahead of him. Alongside the Bayern player there will be two other key names, those of two homegrown players, Miguel Gutiérrez for the left-back berth and Blanco in midfield. The return of Odegaard is also expected.
For the 2021/22 season, not many surprises can be expected. However, when the club's revenue has increased after the return of supporters to stadiums, then there may still be some big names to come in, such as Mbappé and Haaland.