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Real Madrid need to start preparing for the future and there are quite a few high-profile stars they could sign in January.
Real Madrid have a star-studded lineup. It'll be difficult for any player to displace the current starters but the cream of the crop has got to make plans to sustain their success over long periods. Real Madrid, unfortunately, have quite a lot of players who have entered their 30s.
It is thus advisable for them to invest in the transfer market heavily now and prepare for the future before they need to start pulling strings out of desperation. COVID-19 has impacted clubs financially and this January poses a unique opportunity for big clubs to take advantage of the predicament that some others find themselves in.
There are quite a few signings that Real Madrid could make this January and here, we take a look at five players that Los Blancos could rope in to bolster their squad.
5 players Real Madrid could sign in January
#5 Jules Kounde
Real Madrid are looking to add more depth to their defense and Sevilla's 22-year-old centreback, Jules Kounde would be a welcome addition to the side. There is a lot of uncertainty around Sergio Ramos' future and Real Madrid cannot afford to rest on their laurels right now.
According to a report on Defensa Central, Kounde is Zinedine Zidane's preferred long-term successor to Sergio Ramos. Kounde has become a mainstay in the Sevilla defence over the past year and a half since joining from Bordeaux in the summer of 2019.
They have been linked with multiple high-profile defenders but it is being claimed that Zinedine Zidane wants his compatriot at the Santiago Bernabeu. Sevilla are in a bad place financially and could be forced into cashing in on Kounde this month.
#4 Manuel Locatelli
Real Madrid have an ageing midfield core. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric continue to be incredible at what they do but it's time that Real Madrid roped in players who can take over and keep going for long after the veterans have called it a day.
Sassuolo have been one of the most exciting sides in the Serie A and that's greatly down to their 22-year-old midfield maverick Manuel Locatelli. A deep-lying playmaker who can be as good an architect as he can be a destroyer, Locatelli would be a great addition to the Real Madrid squad.
Locatelli has impressed for the Italian international side and is a transfer target for Juventus as well. Juventus are currently looking to work out a way to sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United and as such, Real Madrid have a window of opportunity to sneak in through the backdoor and walk out with Locatelli this month.
However, given how crucial Locatelli has been to Sassuolo this season, the Serie A side cannot be expected to budge unless Los Blancos make an enormous bid.
#3 Pepe
Real Madrid have reportedly been monitoring Brazilian winger Pepe who currently plies his trade for Gremio. As per Defensa Centra, Real Madrid could make a move for him in the near future.
Pepe has been one of Gremio's standout performer since joining in 2016 and has already scored eight goals and assisted four more from 23 appearances in the Brasileiro Serie A so far this season.
Though he largely operates down the left side of the pitch, he has proven that he can play down the right side as well and is renowned for his ability to beat players and for his finishing and composure in front of goal.
Real Madrid have been keeping tabs on Pepe for a while now and with Lucas Vazquez refusing to sign a new deal, Real Madrid ought to make a move for the 23-year-old before it's too late. However, a move will be contingent on Los Blancos' clearing some of their deadwood and freeing up their wage bill.
This is because Pepe is currently contracted with Gremio till 2024 and this gives the Brazilian side a great amount of bargaining power.
#2 Eduardo Camavinga
Rennes youngster Eduardo Camavinga has been on Real Madrid's wishlist since 2019 and the 18-year-old has only gone from strength-to-strength since then and is now being monitored by several European giants.
Camavinga has been likened to Paul Pogba and given how Real Madrid already have the likes of Martin Odegaard and Federico Valverde as back up to Kroos and Modric on their payroll, what they actually need is an exceptional talent who has enough time to grow into a world-beater.
Camavinga has time and again come up trumps against big teams for Rennes and this is a quality that Zinedine Zidane will appreciate greatly. His agent Jonathan Barnett has already hinted at a potential move to Real Madrid.
On being asked about a potential move to Real Madrid for his client, Barnett said:
'Real Madrid? We have a fantastic relationship with them. Ask them.'
#1 David Alaba
This one is almost certain to be wrapped up now and what a signing it will be. David Alaba won the continental treble with Bayern Munich last season and was instrumental in the Bavarians' dominance across all competitions.
However, the player and the club could not see eye-to-eye over a new deal which has now forced him to look for a new club and according to multiple sources, he is all set to sign for Real Madrid
Alaba is likely to join Real Madrid in the summer and the best thing about signing him is that he can play at centre-back just as well as he can at left-back. However, Real Madrid could tempt Bayern Munich into parting with him this month by offering them a fee as they are set to lose him for free in the summer as things stand.
While David Alaba remains keen on seeing out his contract at Bayern Munich, signing him in January will immediately transform Real Madrid into top title contenders domestically and in Europe.
