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Real Madrid are always expected to spend big during the summer transfer window. Which "Galactico" will they sign this time in order to prepare for another grueling season?

Last Season's Performance La Liga: Winners UEFA Champions League: Semifinalists Copa Del Rey: Quarterfinals

Positions that need reinforcements

Modric in, Kaka out?

 

For the first time in a few years, Real Madrid have had an excellent squad with the necessary depth. The Blancos have one of the most stable squads in La Liga and that means that there won’t be six to seven signings this year. The defense looks rock solid after ages and Jose Mourinho’s only headache would be whether he should sell Ricardo Carvalho or not. Alvaro Arbeloa, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Fabio Coentrao and Raul Albiol are on the roster and it seems like won’t be any defensive signings this year unless Mourinho decides to provide back up for Arbeloa at right back.

The midfield is packed with talents like Nuri Sahin, Esteban Granero and Lassana Diarra who provide cover to Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira. Jose Callejon shone in his first season at the Bernabeu and fit in ably when Angel Di Maria was injured. Kaka has been utilized as a backup for Mesut Ozil and sometimes in place of Di Maria as well. The Brazilian has had limited starting opportunities this season as well and that may prompt him to seek a new club. Crisitiano Ronaldo needs no back up unless he is injured. Mourinho can always count upon Gonzalo Higuain in such cases by pushing Karim Benzema onto the left wing.

Benzema had a great season last year and he’ll be expected to lead the line this year again. Gonzalo Higuain has also been used frequently by Jose Mourinho in order to keep the Argentinean happy at the Bernabeu. Castilla’s Alvaro Morata has been added to the first team squad as the third striker so probably we won’t be seeing any more strikers joining this summer. Higuain was linked with a move away from the club but looks like he's going to stay put.

Likely Acquisitions

After Luka Modric agreed terms with Real Madrid, it looks like he'll be the "Galactico" signing this year if both clubs iron out the finer details of the tranfers. The transfer fee seems to be a stumbling block in the proposed move. Madrid have tried to sweeten the deal with the inclusion of Ricardo Carvalho or Lass going the other way. Modric's arrival could possibly end Kaka's career at the Bernabeu.

David Silva was a possible target for Real Madrid over the summer but it looks like City's astronomic asking price has cooled off any interest by the Los Blancos.

Probable Departures

Kaka has been linked with a move away from the club ever since he joined in 2009. Santos, AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG etc have all been in the frame for his signature at one time or the other. If Madrid do sign Modric this summer, Kaka will consequently leave to find greener pastures. A lot of people believe that he’ll be joining his old club, AC Milan if Madrid sell him.

Fernando Gago, Pedro Leon and Royston Drenthe are expected to leave the club via a transfer or a loan this summer. Gago returned from Roma after the Italian club couldn’t negotiate with Madrid a transfer fee. Pedro Leon will be shipped back to Getafe whereas Drenthe has been released on a free transfer.

A lot of speculation surrounded Gonzalo Higuain’s future at the end of last season but it looks like he’s going to stay on at the Bernabeu. The Argentine forward is a crucial piece of the Mourinho puzzle and the Portuguese trainer would be glad to have him around.

Hamit Altintop is close to joining Galatasaray and the Turkish player would be glad to leave in order to find more playing opportunities in his home country. Nuri Sahin was also courted by few clubs but the Turkish international has signaled his intention to succeed at the Bernabeu.

Lassana Diarra and Ricardo Carvalho are possible candidates for the transfer list as Mourinho could involve either of two in the Modric deal. Raul Albiol is likely to stay on and is nearing a contract extension.

Real Madrid rejected a bid for Esteban Granero from Liverpool. Mourinho sees the youth academy product as a valuable member of his squad. Granero still has one more year in his contract with the Spanish giants.

Formation

RIGHT-BACK	CENTRE BACK	CENTRE BACK	LEFT-BACK
Alvaro Arbeloa (Ramos and ?)	Pepe (Varane)	Sergio Ramos (Raul Albiol)	Marcelo (Coentrao)

CENTRE MIDFIELD	CENTRE MIDFIELD
Sami Khedira (Granero)	Xabi Alonso (Sahin)

RIGHT WING	ATTACKING MIDFIELD	LEFT WING
Angel Di Maria (Kaka (?) )	Mesut Ozil (Modric (?) )	Cristiano Ronaldo (Callejon)