As the summer window reaches it midpoint period—the crunch zone—one club that is known for its flamboyance in the transfer market has been relatively quiet so far. Real Madrid are yet to make a single signing apart from Alvaro Morata, despite the fact that there are cracks in the team.
They might have just won the Champions League with this squad, but some positions lack backups and it would be dangerous if it stays the same come September 1st.
For one, the midfield lacks bite as there is only one true ball-winner and no box-to-box midfielder in the squad. Similarly, with Arbeloa departure and Nacho’s impending move to Roma, the defense has been depleted.
Hence, Real Madrid need to make some signings—and here are 5 players they could look at.
#1 Paul Pogba
Even though at this point, it seems like he would either join Manchester United or stay with Juventus, Paul Pogba could still end up with Real Madrid. What can be said with some assurance that the Blancos don’t have a player like him and would definitely improve a lot as a team should they sign him.
He is one of those very few players in the world that in an all-rounder. He can defend, attack and also orchestrate the team’s play. He might not have had a great tournament at the Euro 2016, but that doesn’t change the fact that he is one fantastic player who is sure to win the Ballon d’Or someday.
The price tag on his head is a massive one, but money has never been a problem for Madrid. Whether they choose to splash it on him is an entirely different question which, reports are to be believed, has ‘no’ for an answer.
#2 Bastian Schweinsteiger
If it is not Paul Pogba, and since N’Golo Kante has joined Chelsea, Bastain Schweinsteiger would be an ideal signing. Reports suggest that the Germany captain has become dispensable after the arrival of Jose Mourinho, and Los Galacticos could make a swoop for him and add depth to their midfield.
Real Madrid absolutely need a steely midfielder that can also rush forward and have a say in the attacking half. While Casemiro is a fantastic ball-winner, he leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to his skill on the ball.
The former Bayern midfielder has an excellent passing range and surprises opposition defenses with unpredictable runs from deep. However, he’s not the player that he was during his peak years, but it doesn’t change the fact that he would be great signing for the Merengues.
#3 Ricardo Rodriguez
With the departure of Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid now have only one player who can play at left-back after Marcelo. Fabio Coentrao might be at the club, but history has shown us that he will spend most of his time at the treatment table.
While Danilo—and also Carvajal—have been played there, they are far from what one would call the ideal back-ups for Marcelo. Marcelo is the only recognized left-back in the roster for the beginning of the season at least. It would be foolish of Real Madrid to not sign anyone and rely on an injury-prone Fabio Coentrao.
Ricardo Rodriguez, hence, fits the bill perfectly. The Swiss full-back is one of the best left-backs in the game, someone who could provide some true and serious competition to Marcelo. Some might claim that he is too good to be a back-up for Marcelo, but with the amount of games that the Whites play every season, giving him enough minutes shouldn’t be that much of problem.
#4 Benedikt Howedes
Real Madrid are on the verge of selling Nacho Fernandez to Roma. The Galacticos have also shipped off Jesus Vallejo to Frankfurt on loan, leaving them with only three specialized center-halves. In a time when the elite club plays 60+ games a season, having only 3 renowned defenders is a risk.
With Pepe reaching his mid-30s, his decline as a player could happen at any given moment. If all goes well, then Jesus Vallejo will eventually replace him. However, there is still some more time left for that to happen.
Hence, a proven center-back is what Real Madrid needs to fill up the spot left by Nacho. Benedikt Howedes might be too big a name to fill up Nacho’s void, but he would certainly add quality to the roster. He is also in his late-20s, which works like a blessing for all parties involved.
#5 Fabinho
And we conclude our slideshow with Fabinho. Real Madrid need a box-to-box central midfielder and Fabinho could fill up that space if the Blancos fail to acquire Kante, Sissoko or Pogba. The Brazilian is a right-back by trait, but he showed last season that he is equally good at the center of the system.
He is 6’2” and is blazing fast for someone of his height. Aerially strong, he is an all-round player who never shies away from a tackle while also possessing a good passing range.
Real Madrid bought Casemiro after trying him out as a loan player for Castilla for a year. Fabinho also played a season on loan with the second team of Real Madrid, but a permanent move never materialized. However, the Blancos could make amends for that slip-up by signing him now and strengthening two positions with one player.
