With the heat of the German World Cup win now abating, the time has come to enter the hot, thriving jungle that is the post Brazil transfer market.
Real Madrid are set to make several changes to their entire team, from goalkeeper to forwards – when do they not?
Brazil 2014 exposed some new talent in some unlikely places, and Real Madrid aficionados know all too well that the best of the best will soon all be in white shirts -or indeed hot pink on away days.
Already we have seen players including Keylor Navas, James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos arrive, and all are set to make Real Madrid look frighteningly strong.
The loss of Alfredo Di Stefano meant that Real Madrid said a final farewell to a great legend as they welcomed the new set of players for the 2014/15 season, but as ever, things go on.
Currently Real Madrid have three goalkeepers – Iker Casillas, Diego Lopez and Navas. Accommodating all three will be impossible with both Casillas and Lopez linked with moves to Arsenal and Monaco respectively. Last term a two goalkeeper for three competitions strategy may have limped on, but this term, a three for three will surely not be the case.
Goalkeeper Keylor Navas will aim to be the top dog come next season – and given Navas’ outstanding season for Levante not to mention his World Cup performance, that is not something we would bet against. Saving penalties, an abundance of shots and commanding his box, the Costa Rican will slot in well.
World Cup holder Toni Kroos has already arrived, with Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez just unveiled.
Following the success of the World Cup, in which Kroos had an impressive run, he has penned a long term deal with Los Blancos after deciding his time at Bayern Munich had come to an end.
Kroos has won three Bundesliga titles and the Champions League at Bayern and Madridistas will be hoping for a similar run again. After a £20 million deal, the German is hoping to make an impressive start next season.
The whole world was in utter awe as Golden Boot superstar, James Rodriguez, put in an extraordinary performance for his national team, Colombia.
Despite being knocked out in the quarter finals, Rodriguez still went on to win the Golden Boot after scoring six goals in the tournament – including the goal of the competition against Uruguay. Teams around the world were clamouring to sign up this young talent. As a giant of football, Real Madrid made that signing happen, with Florentino Perez splashing the cash once again.
Of course, with big arrivals come big departures and it could well pave the way for the loss of players Sami Khedira and Angel Di Maria, who would appear to be nothing more than surplus to requirements with Ancelotti willing to cash in on the duo.
Unlikely to be unsatisfied with their recent purchases, Ancelotti could see Khedira and Di Maria join Arsenal in the new season, where they would link up with another ex-Madrid player Mesut Ozil.
Arsenal have expressed an interest in Khedira, so a potential move to the Gunners could well be on the horizon and Louis van Gaal has shown an interest in Di Maria since taking over at Old Trafford.
Isco also looks to be on his way out with former Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini looking to reunite with the player at Manchester City.
Former Castilla turned first team fringe player Alvaro Morata has moved to Turin with Real Madrid and Porto reaching an agreement for loaning out Casemiro.
Real Madrid have done it again, signing top quality for top money and making next season a mouth-watering prospect.
La Liga will have some new faces and some new battles next season and with Madrid’s improved squad, can they become the first team ever to retain the Champions League trophy? Let us know your thoughts below or tweet us @LaFootyettes.