The defeat of Real Madrid has highlighted something that has been evident throughout the season: there are players who are not fit to continue at Real Madrid and new players need to be signed to bring freshness to the team and strengthen its most vulnerable positions. Real Madrid intends to strengthen no less than five positions on the pitch: two full-backs (left and right), a center back, a central midfielder, and a true number 9. Three players seem to be very close to signing.
Alexander-Arnold, the first to arrive
The right-back position is already covered. Alexander-Arnold is now a Real Madrid player for next season, and with the recovery of Carvajal, in whom the club continues to have a lot of confidence, this part of the field is considered covered and renewed.
A new left-back
The left-back position is causing a lot of doubts at Real Madrid. Fran García is not in the team’s plans for next season. After two seasons with the team, his level is not considered good enough for the team. Mendy’s defensive ability (one of the best in the world in that role) saves him from the chopping block. The problem is that the Whites cannot find a player who can give the team a real boost in quality. Alphonso Davies renewed his contract and then got injured with Bayern; he was the big bet. Now, apart from bringing back Miguel Gutiérrez from Girona, there don’t seem to be any convincing options, but the club is working hard to find a player who meets the requirements.
A reliable center back for the future
Dean Huijsen has been linked with Real Madrid for a few months. Since his debut with the Spanish national team, his future has been linked to the club. At only 20 years old, his qualities are highly regarded: he is good in the air, strong, and knows how to play the ball. He wants to play for Madrid, but the board was not willing to pay the $60 million being asked for him. However, circumstances have changed, and it seems that Florentino Pérez will bring him in for next season.
But the other option being considered is Jonathan Tah. The Leverkusen center back is considered one of the best in the Bundesliga and would arrive for free next season. The question mark over his signing is his age. He is 29 and, although he still has years left in his career, he would not be a long-term signing for the team. Florentino wants a center back who can stay with the team for many years, and this does not seem to be the case.
Zubimendi gains ground in midfield
It seemed that Real Madrid had ruled out Martín Zubimendi for midfield. However, the San Sebastian midfielder continues to improve with each passing day and Real Madrid is going to go all out to sign him next year. He is a strong player, committed to his defensive duties, and also has great vision with the ball at his feet. He is the type of midfielder Real Madrid needs, and his signing could be quite affordable for the Whites, who could also try to include a player in the deal to lower the price.
But he is not the only option: the Whites are closely following Alexis Mac Allister, a Liverpool player who has exploded this season. They are also very keen on Ryan Gravenberch, also from the English side. Finally, the German player from VfB Stuttgart, Angelo Stiller, is also liked by the board. He is the player called upon to fill the void left by Kroos in Germany, and why not also at Real Madrid?
The urgency of a number 9
Two seasons ago, there was no pure number 9 in the team and the team missed him badly (they only won the Copa del Rey). Last season, Joselu was signed, and he fulfilled his role 100%. This year, Real Madrid once again found itself without a number 9, and the team felt it, and how. The lack of play forced Real Madrid to send balls into the box, but there was no number 9 to finish them off, no man in the box to threaten in difficult moments. Florentino wants a specialist in this position and is preparing big surprises for next season.
Real Madrid urgently needs to strengthen for next season. We are talking about key positions that need a shake-up to compensate for a squad of great players who have nevertheless forgotten how to play as a team.