As the transfer window nears, we take a look at players who can strengthen the Real Madrid squad.
Real Madrid will play the Champions League against final against Liverpool this Saturday. Zidane has out-rightly spoken that club’s focus is on the big European finale. However, Real Madrid have started identifying players for the next season.
The club’s latest financial accounts show a cash balance of €178m. Reports from Spanish media also suggest that there are a few players lined up to be sold this summer. So it looks more likely that Real Madrid can spend plenty of money, given the right players are available.
Real Madrid finished 3rd behind FC Barcelona and derby rivals Atletico Madrid. Zinedine Zidane’s side looked short in the defensive areas. The side needs a quality RB back-up. Real Madrid may also look to either replace Keylor Navas, or put their faith in a young GK for grooming him: A Goalkeeper. Finally, the perishing performances of Karim Benzema has been a constant issue for Los Blancos: A forward.
Neymar’s transfer speculations are getting stronger by the day, and look set to continue through Brazil’s world cup campaign. But who are the other players which the Los Blancos can look at to boost their squad?
theSportsRush suggests players who can strengthen the Real Madrid squad for the next season.
Back-up Right-Back:
Alvaro Odriozola –
Real Madrid have been linked with the Real Sociedad defender in the past. Odriozola stepped up the ranks and made his first-team debut with Real Sociedad in 2017. Since his debut, he has appeared in 50 games for the club, also earning his first international cap in the time. He is selected for Spain’s FIFA World Cup squad.
Odriozola is a good passer of the ball, and possesses decent crossing abilities. This season, he had an impressive passing rate of 89.2%. He is not a rough tackler, averaging around 1.3 tackles per game.
Goalkeeper:
First choice – Thibaut Courtois/Allison Becker
Both the goalkeepers have proved their mettle on the biggest stage. While Thibaut Courtois had played a key role in Chelsea’s two title winning campaigns, Becker’s impressive performances led Roma to Champions League semifinal this season.
With David de Gea unlikely to leave Manchester United, Courtois and Becker are two great options for Real Madrid. Becker kept 15 clean sheets in this season’s Serie A, whereas Courtois is a two-time Golden Glove winner in the Premier League.
Young Goalkeeper – Kepa Arrizabalaga
The 23-year old was close to sign for Real Madrid in January. Kepa is a goalkeeper with great potential, and has shown his class at Athletic Bilbao.
Kepa also earned his international cap last year with Spain. Even though the goalkeeper turned down move to Real Madrid in January, the cash-rich club would like to attempt his signing again.
Forward:
Timo Werner/Harry Kane
Timo Werner has been the most pivotal player in RB Leipzig’s attack. He doesn’t only fit in the fast-paced counter attacking system of the German club, but is also open to sit back and string passes. He earned his first international cap with Germany last year, has since scored 7 goals in 12 games for the side.
Harry Kane is a natural goal-scorer, who became Tottenham’s highest scorer in the Premier League era this season. He was also the second-fastest to 100 goals in the league. Harry Kane can prove to be an able successor to Karim Benzema in the Real Madrid side.
