Real Madrid are certainly a club in crisis following a series of unimpressive results – bar the narrow 1-0 win against Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday. Nobody would have ever imagined that a club like Real Madrid would put themselves in jeopardy as they could be eliminated from the Champions League group stage should they suffer a defeat against Monchengladbach next week.
Los Blancos failed to sign any player in the summer transfer window due to the financial crisis caused by the pandemic and it certainly had its effect on the results on the field. With reports stating that Madrid are expecting a busy transfer window next summer – similar to the summer of 2019 – here we take a look at the five players who can help the Spanish capital club return to their best.
Erling Haaland
Karim Benzema continues to be the only driving force of Madrid’s attack over the past few seasons and everybody is aware the Frenchman is in the twilight of his career and hence a long-term successor is duly needed. Luka Jovic looked like the chosen one when Los Blancos splashed the cash on him in the summer of 2019 but unfortunately, it was a tough first year at Bernabeu as he eventually fell down the pecking order of Zinedine Zidane.
Madrid are understood to be one of the potential suitors for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, who is in red hot form and turns out to be the most sought-after striker. The Norwegian could well be the heir to Benzema’s throne and also guarantee a bright future for the Spanish capital club.
Kylian Mbappe
PSG forward Kylian Mbappe turns out to be a long time target for Real Madrid and has also been deemed as the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Bernabeu in 2018. Los Blancos went with Eden Hazard in the summer of 2019 to fill the void left by Ronaldo but the Belgian failed miserably since day one at Bernabeu. Mbappe is said to be open to a transfer away from PSG after handing in a transfer request, with Los Blancos planning to sign him in the next summer.
Paul Pogba
Following Mbappe, Manchester United star Paul Pogba is another player said to be wanted by Zidane at Madrid. Pogba, who had been often linked with a transfer to Madrid, had earlier made no secret of wanting to play for Real Madrid in future. The French midfielder is currently going through difficult times as many feel Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lost the trust in him. This could be a great opportunity for the defending champions to sign the 27-year-old to reinvigorate the midfield.
N’Golo Kante
Chelsea midfielder Kante is another Frenchman who looks to be interesting his compatriot Zidane and could add more physicality to Madrid’s midfield other than Casemiro. However, Frank Lampard is said to be having no intentions of selling Kante, who is also on the radar of Inter Milan.
Dayot Upamecano
Madrid, who was one of the best sides defensively last season, looked the opposite this term, having shown many defensive frailties. Raphael Varane has been uncharacteristically at fault on many occasions whilst Sergio Ramos’ contract is due to expire at the end of this season. RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano could be the player Los Blancos need to sign to strengthen the defence. Upamecano is one of the hottest centre-backs in Europe at the moment, having made his debut with France national team recently. Besides Madrid, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are reportedly keeping tabs on Upamecano.
