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The 2018-2019 season started in a manner that Madridistas would not forget so easily: Cristiano Ronaldo made the switch to Juventus. Many pundits talked about the problems the Spanish giants would have without Ronaldo, and while the club was willing to believe in the rest of the squad, missing out on 40+ goals per season was going to hurt them badly.
The club's inability to protect its' assets, combined with certain incompetence when it came to filling the void left by arguably the best payer in the world, Madrid fans were left rather angry.
Florentino Perez, perhaps in a bid to win back the fans' approval while putting the club into better hands, hired a record three managers within a single season. Julen Lopetegui had left the Santiago Bernabeu before November, Santiago Solari was kicked out by March. Zinedine Zidane is currently at the helm of managerial affairs, but even he has not been able to bring the club back to winning ways.
Madrid ended up at third place in the La Liga, got knocked out of the Copa del Rey as semi-finalists, were out of the UEFA Champions League by the round of 16, and were unable to win the UEFA Super Cup at the start of the season. The only notable trophy Madrid added to their cabinets in a possible five was just one - the FIFA Club World Cup.
Florentino Perez handed Zinedine Zidane a huge transfer war-chest to sign galacticos and take Madrid's European crown back, and Zidane has been very busy doing so.
Without further ado, let's look at the squad overhaul Zidane has wrought in these last two months.
#4 Goalkeepers
The only major arrival to Madrid's first team between the sticks is Luca Zidane. While he has played for Real Madrid Castilla in the past, the 21-year-old is ready to build on his game. Due to Thibaut Courtois' and Keylor Navas' stances as Madrid's go-to goalkeepers, Zidane has gone on loan to second-tier La Liga club Racing. It is certain that his father, and the first team coaches, will keep an eye on the youngster's performances.
20-year-old Andrii Lunin will also likely go on loan this coming season. He spent the last season on loan at CD Leganes, but there isn't much he can do now to usurp Courtois' position. Another loan spell is around the corner for the youngster.
Also check out: La Liga La Liga fixtures La liga table 2019-20
#3 Defenders
Real Madrid signed 21-year-old Eder Militao from FC Porto for €50 million. Madridistas have seen Militao as the club's new Sergio Ramos. While Ramos is still capable of holding the defence, his form has somewhat reduced throughout last season. Also, Ramos is turning 34 soon, and having a capable player for the future - and even for now - seems like the best bet.
Another €48 million was spent on Olympique Lyon's left-back Ferland Mendy. The 24-year-old brought some spark to the Ligue 1 on the left-wing, and Zidane is clearly hoping that Mendy has what it takes to collect the baton from Marcelo. Marcelo may still keep his spot in the starting lineup, but Madrid will be glad to have a strong backup player on his wing.
Javi Sanchez gained his promotion from Real Madrid Castilla, but the centre-back has been sent on loan to Real Valladolid. His performances there will surely impact his position in the team when he returns.
Young left-back Theo Hernandez went out on loan to Real Sociedad last season. It was clear that the 21-year-old was surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabeu, so Madrid accepted a €20 million offer from AC Milan for him.
Both Sergio Reguilon and Jesus Vallejo have gone on loan to Sevilla and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively. While it is uncertain they would have any future at Madrid, their loan performances may push their temporary clubs to buy them from Los Blancos.
#2 Midfielders
It isn't too surprising that Zidane has not spent any money on his midfield. The trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro that won him the Champions League three times is still at his disposal.
Other midfielders, however, seem to be surplus to requirements. Most notably is James Rodriguez who has not found any playing time at the Santiago Bernabeu even with his world-class talent. The 28-year-old just arrived Madrid after a loan spell with Bayern Munich, and it doesn't look like he will stay. There has been news of interest from clubs like Napoli, but with the transfer window closing soon, there may not be any movement eventually.
Mateo Kovacic went on loan to Chelsea last term, and the Blues bought him before their transfer ban went into action. Real Madrid received €45 million for the 25-year-old, and Kovacic will be thankful to have made a permanent move to the club that's more likely to play him.
Marcos Llorente was sold off to Atletico Madrid for €30 million, while Dani Ceballos left for Arsenal on loan. Lastly, Lucas Silva finished off last term at Brazilian club Cruzeiro and he's back at the Bernabeu until further notice.
#1 Forwards
Real Madrid's highly publicized purchase of Eden Hazard from Chelsea could not have been missed. The former Lille star remained at Chelsea till he was 28, successfully winning domestic and European trophies with the Blues. However, his love for "the greatest club in the world" was part of his decision to switch from England to Spain. For €100 million, it could be possible that Zidane has gotten another Ronaldo for the club.
21-year-old Luka Jovic was exceptional last season at Eintracht Frankfurt. While the young centre-forward was brought in for €60 million, he may play second fiddle to Karim Benzema. However, it looks like Benzema will have very little space for errors. Jovic may have been bought for the long run, but nothing stops him from taking over Benzema's spot now.
18-year-old Brazilian Rodrygo, joins the league of some exceptional youngsters in Madrid's first team. The left-wing forward joined from Brazilian club Santos, with Real Madrid paying €45 million for the youngster, but it looks like a plan for the future unless Rodrygo is able to rank higher than other forwards with his performances.
Borja Mayoral and Martin Odegaard spent last season on loan, but they haen't been able to break into the starting lineup at the Bernabeu yet again. They're headed on loan once more, to Levante and Real Sociedad respectively. Jorge de Frutos was promoted from Castilla and has been sent on loan to Real Valladolid.
Raul de Tomas was unable to break into the first team throughout his time in Madrid, and after going on loan to Rayo Vallecano, he has made a permanent move to Benefica, who bought him for €20 million.
