Starting as a Defensive Midfielder at Real Madrid

With the departure of two rotational midfielders, things weren’t exactly falling apart—but it definitely wasn’t business as usual either. At least for now, Real Madrid fans still had some peace of mind, so long as there were no transfer rumors involving Leon or Xabi Alonso.

Essien’s loan still had another half-season to run, so no early return to Chelsea to worry about either. Plus, Madrid still had Kaká and Di María who could rotate into midfield roles. The squad wasn’t bare-bones just yet.

All they really needed now was one solid defensive midfielder and a utility player for depth. If that happened, Madrid’s midfield would remain among the strongest in Europe.

In other words: as long as Xabi and Leon stayed, Madrid’s midfield would remain rock solid.

Even though fans were a little sad to see ”Face Boy” (Sami Khedira) go, most were grateful for his time in white. Injuries and a few shortcomings aside—slow tracking, low defensive efficiency, too eager to push forward—he was a professional.

He worked hard when he played. He didn’t stir up drama when he sat on the bench. In two seasons at the club, he helped secure five trophies. A real contributor. A soldier.

And honestly, Madrid fans still couldn’t quite believe the club had managed to sell him for €40 million.

Last year they’d fleeced PSG for a midfielder, but that one had performed decently. Khedira? He was average at best last season.

Sure, toss in the ”big club tax,” add a ”friendly price bump,” but €40 million?

It felt like robbery.

But fans barely had time to gloat before another bombshell dropped.

Kaká was gone.

Despite having a year left on his contract, he returned to AC Milan—for just €8 million.

Milan fans cried tears of joy. Madridistas? They were this close to bawling too.

”We just won the treble and now it’s time for a farewell dinner? What is happening?!”

”Three midfielders sold, and not one signing? Is Florentino selling the squad to fund stadium renovations?!”

”Let me guess—Cristiano’s next, huh? Hahaha... ha... ha... please no.”

”Look, none of these guys were starters. Chill.”

”Yeah, and once all the backups are gone, the starters are next!”

Twitter and fan forums exploded.

Still, most fans chose to trust the president and the manager. No one had stormed the club’s official social pages—yet.

Some impatient fans were leaving comments on player posts, asking if anyone knew who the club planned to sign.

Leon?

He was honest. He posted a shrug emoji.

”No idea.”

And it was true—he didn’t know. Not even a hint.

In his memory, Modrić was supposed to arrive this summer—probably.

But who else Mourinho had his eye on? No clue.

As for Kaká, Leon called to wish him well.

Same thing he’d done for Granero and Khedira.

Whether it was about playing time, returning home, or chasing a new dream—it was their choice. Their career. Their life.

They’d already won La Liga and the Champions League with Madrid. There were no regrets.

Leon knew he had no right to judge anyone’s transfer decision.

In the following days, Madrid’s preseason officially began.

All players who hadn’t participated in Euro 2012 or the Olympics were required to report by July 18.

Same day, PSG stole the spotlight by announcing Zlatan Ibrahimović.

July 19: preseason training kicked off. Leon, Nacho, and other Castilla graduates were among the first on the field.

That same week, Madridistas finally got their long-awaited transfer news.

The good news?

Real Madrid were linked with the most in-demand player in Spain: Athletic Bilbao’s Javi Martínez.

The bad news?

They weren’t alone.

Bayern Munich had already made a €32 million bid.

Immediately, both fanbases clashed online.

Then came Athletic Club’s president, who poured fuel on the fire:

”Martínez is not for sale. He’s our cornerstone, our future captain. We won’t sell the soul of our club. Stop spreading transfer lies.”

Well.

Now everyone was mad at Bilbao.

Nowadays, small clubs trying to block a player’s transfer to a giant?

Unrealistic.

Especially in La Liga.

If the player wanted it, big clubs could just pay the release clause.

Martínez’s was €40 million.

Both Madrid and Bayern could afford it.

But giants had pride.

Triggering a buyout clause felt... tacky. Cheap.

And Madrid didn’t want to burn bridges with Bilbao.

Mourinho wasn’t even that desperate for Martínez.

It was a ”let’s see if it works” situation.

When Bilbao rejected Madrid’s €37 million bid?

Madrid walked away.

And so, on July 24, just before the first preseason friendly, Madrid officially announced their first signing of the summer.

A young, stocky French midfielder.

Blaise Matuidi.

”I’m thrilled to sign for Real Madrid, the greatest club in world football.

This is a dream come true, and I’m ready to give everything I have for Madrid and for Mourinho.”

Wearing the No. 6 jersey, Matuidi stood proud at the press conference.

The media quickly published the details.

Madrid paid €20 million for him.

Which, funny enough, meant PSG basically traded Matuidi plus €20 million for Khedira.

Considering Matuidi’s current valuation was €12 million, that meant Khedira’s actual transfer fee probably wasn’t quite €40 million after all.

Still, it was a hell of a deal for Madrid.

Even with PSG and Man City buying every big name after the Euros, Madrid were selling.

And that... felt weird.

For the biggest club in the world?

It was out of character.

Madrid were winning the war.

But in the arms race of summer, they stood awkwardly on the sidelines.

In reality, the transfer fee for Matuidi was just over €30 million—slightly inflated, but still not a bad deal for PSG.

Soon after, rumors began to spread across the media claiming that PSG and Real Madrid had finalized the deal long ago, but held back the announcement for strategic reasons. Supposedly, the shock of Khedira’s €40 million transfer was used to impress Zlatan Ibrahimović and seal his move to the Parisian club. Only after Ibra was locked in did PSG announce Matuidi’s departure to Madrid.

At first, most fans brushed this off as clickbait from a second-rate tabloid.

But the more they thought about it... the more it made sense.

In the end, Khedira got his big payday and starting spot, and Matuidi joined Madrid. Was Ibra the only one who got played?

Leon nearly choked on his morning coffee reading the news.

He really wanted to ask Mourinho whether the whole thing had actually happened that way.

But... he didn’t.

(Not because he was afraid of the ”hairdryer treatment,” cough.)

July 25:

Real Madrid kicked off their first preseason friendly.

At the Estadio Carlos Tartiere, a mixed squad of reserves and youth players crushed Segunda B side Real Oviedo 4–1.

Leon’s performance exceeded all expectations.

Not only did he control the midfield, he also scored two goals with headers.

Sure, the opponent was weak, but Leon was playing with mostly second-string teammates. To perform like that? It was hard not to get excited about his form heading into the new season.

The next day, AS ran a glowing article:

”This defensive midfielder who contributed 6 goals and 12 assists across 57 matches last season is still growing!

He never seems to let down those who trust him—fans, teammates, coaches alike.

When the new La Liga season kicks off, we suspect the rest of Spain is in for another big surprise.”

Mourinho, reading the paper over his morning espresso, couldn’t help but nod in satisfaction.

July 27:

At Estádio da Luz, Leon captained a makeshift Real Madrid squad against Portuguese giants Benfica.

This match marked the first time Matuidi started alongside Leon as the double pivot.

Naturally, there were mistakes. The two had only trained together for one day.

But Leon’s adaptability shone through yet again.

Midway through the first half, Leon signaled to Matuidi: push higher, sweep wide, be aggressive. Leon would stay back.

And it clicked.

Matuidi didn’t push forward as much as Khedira had, but he covered more ground and was more efficient defensively.

Leon screened, Matuidi swept. Together, they frustrated Benfica’s midfield.

Unfortunately, Madrid’s defense wasn’t quite as solid.

Three individual mistakes, three goals conceded.

Still, on offense:

Morata scored with a header.

Jesé, off the bench, buried a beautiful curler from outside the box.

Final score: 2–3. Madrid lost. But Mourinho was still content—especially with the midfield.

That said, Leon wasn’t as active as in the previous game.

He hadn’t even attempted a long shot.

In contrast, in the last match he’d taken two.

Mourinho, of course, knew exactly why.

He’d already received Leon’s full training report from Mendes, outlining Leon’s summer regimen and progress.

The report highlighted a notable improvement in long-distance shooting.

And Mourinho had been planning to give Leon more freedom to try those shots.

But he didn’t bring it up right away.

After returning to Madrid, more first-team players—those who had rested after Euro 2012—began reporting back.

Before long, the once quiet Valdebebas training complex was buzzing again.

August 1:

With most of the squad assembled, Madrid boarded a flight to the U.S. for their annual preseason tour.

Unlike in previous years, this American tour would be shorter. But tradition remained:

First stop, Los Angeles Galaxy.

Before the match, Mourinho pulled Leon aside.

”Don’t hold back. If you see the chance, take the shot.

You’ve worked on it. Use it. If you don’t practice in friendlies, what’s the point of training?

Give it two or three seasons and it’ll become a real weapon.”

Encouraged, Leon nodded.

This time, he wouldn’t hesitate.

Result?

Four long shots.

Let’s just say:

6 out of 10 had the power, but not the accuracy.3 were accurate, but lacked the power.And only 1... was genuinely threatening.

Still, it was a big step up.

From knowing he couldn’t, to daring to try?

That’s growth.

Leon decided right then and there:

”Forget two or three seasons.

I’m giving Mourinho a ’small surprise’ by the end of this one.”

August 6:

Against Santos Laguna, Leon played another half, attempting two more long-range shots.

Then Matuidi came on, getting more reps with Alonso and Essien.

After that, the team returned to Madrid.

And then, like a summer thunderstorm—the Modrić rumors exploded.

Usually mild-mannered, Luka Modrić had refused to train.

Even British journalists were stunned.

Turns out, Modrić had previously agreed to a ”gentlemen’s agreement” with Levy.

If a big club offered a fair price, Tottenham would let him go.

But now, Real Madrid had made an official bid—and Levy was blocking it again.

Modrić was done playing nice.

Fine him, bench him, he didn’t care.

He just wanted out.

He wanted Real Madrid.

As for Leon?

He was already looking forward to Modrić’s arrival.

One generation replaces the next.

And a new era of football... was on the horizon.

In reality, the price was just slightly over €30 million—just a bit of an overpay—but Paris Saint-

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