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Santiago Solari is finally bringing Real Madrid's season back on track. The manager had a good start after replacing Julen Lopetegui but as soon as he put pen to the permanent deal, Los Balcos started losing again.
The Spanish giants have not really signed a 'big name player' despite the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and they have clearly been suffering because of it. They did try to sign a few players in January but only managed to get Brahim Diaz.
Here are 5 players Real Madrid failed to sign in January:
#5 – Exequiel Palacio
Real Madrid are chasing young players who can become top players in the future. They have signed a few already and had set sights on River Plate's Exequiel Palacio too.
The midfielder has a €20 release clause but still, the move that was very much touted to be the Madrid's first signing of the year did not take place.
#4 – Paul Pogba
With Jose Mourinho in-charge, Paul Pogba looked set to leave Manchester United. The Frenchman was a target for Real Madrid and Mino Raiola was doing all he can to get the deal done.
However, with Ole Gunnar Solskjær coming in, he gave Pogba a new life at Old Trafford. The midfielder is now back enjoying his football and Madrid were left hanging.
#3 – Mario Hermoso
Real Madrid's target in January was reportedly Mario Hermoso. They were keen on signing a long term replacement for Sergio Ramos and the Espanyol star was their main target.
He was tipped to join Los Blancos in the winter transfer window for just €7.5 million but somehow, Real Madrid did not manage to get him.
#2 – Mauro Icardi
With Karim Benzema failing to find the net, Mauro Icardi was Real Madrid's target in January. Reports suggest that Los Blancos made a move for him but were unable to seal the deal.
The Inter Milan star was on the verge of signing a new deal there and thus he rebuffed the move. Things have changed drastically in the last week and he has been stripped off his captaincy and also dropped from the last 2 matches.
#1 – Eden Hazard
There has hardly been a single transfer window in the last 4 years where Eden Hazard to Real Madrid has not come up. The Belgian is keen on joining the Bernabeu side but has made it clear that he will not leave until Chelsea let him go.
The Blues superstar confirmed that he would not jump the ship in January at any cost and Real Madrid could not get him. Chelsea are now set to demand over £100million for him in the summer and Los Blancos might just have to shell out that money to get him.
