Real Madrid News
Ancelotti has been told Real Madrid will not sign any more strikers – report
Karim Benzema’s sudden departure left Real Madrid rattled. The Merengues were convinced that the Frenchman would continue for one more season before phasing out, but the move to Saudi Arabia came out of the blue.
Over the past few weeks, Los Blancos have thus been linked to strikers across the globe. From Chelsea’s Kai Havertz to Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane, the list is endless.
However, Joselu has been the only player to arrive from the long list of names so far. The club’s attention and interest took a sudden shift towards Kylian Mbappe after the chance to sign him reappeared, and all efforts continue to be directed on that front.
According to reports from AS, Real Madrid have now informed Carlo Ancelotti that there will be no more striker signings this summer. Joselu is all the manager will have to work with come next season.
The Italian gaffer’s initial plan was to bring in Harry Kane and Kai Havertz this summer to reinforce the forward department. However, neither is possible now considering that the club are going all out for Kylian Mbappe in 2024 if not this summer.
Perez’s latest stance on the situation raises several doubts over Real Madrid’s preparedness for the 2023/24 campaign. After all, all eyes will now be on Joselu to perform week in and week out and fill the shoes of Benzema with no backup.
Moreover, it also forces one to ponder where on the field Mbappe will fit into the Galactico setup. After all, he is not a natural centre-forward, and his niche on the left wing is occupied by Vincius Jr.
There have been talks of Ancelotti changing formation to a 4-3-1-2 with new signing Jude Bellingham slotting in as the No. 10 while Vinicius and Rodrygo line up as the attackers, with Joselu the backup.
There just does not appear to be any respite from injuries for Real Madrid.
Just when it appeared that they were close to having their full squad – barring the two long-term absentees – the Merengues have been struck down by fresh injuries this week.
Arda Guler, who was on the cusp of being named in the squad for the Las Palmas clash, injured himself in training on Tuesday.
And now, during the game against Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid have lost key defender David Alaba to an injury.
Close to the 40th-minute mark, Alaba went down on the ground clutching his leg and appeared to be in quite a bit of discomfort.
Soon enough, the medical staff arrived to take a look at the Austrian and seconds later he was off the pitch and straight towards the tunnel.
Lucas Vazquez came on to replace the injured Alaba, with Nacho Fernandez moving into the centre-back position alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Alaba’s injury leaves Carlo Ancelotti with just two fit centre-backs in Rudiger and Nacho, which is set to be a matter of great concern.
The hope will be that Alaba’s condition is nothing serious and that he is able to mount a quick recovery.
