An unbalanced, top-heavy squad contributed to Madrid’s underwhelming season, and a big summer is in store for Florentino Pérez and company to ensure Alonso’s set-up for success from the get-go. Moves have already been made in defense, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen arriving to boost an ageing, injury-hit backline.

Xabi Alonso will be the new Real Madrid manager from June 1, meaning Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to follow the former Liverpool midfielder to the Bernabeu

Alonso, who signed a three-year deal, will start immediately and coach his first games at the Club World Cup in June