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Real Madrid are a club with the highest European pedigree. The modern iteration of Los Blancos has been immensely successful with four European Cups. That being said, the last three years have seen a drop in the club's ability to compete on the continental stage, despite securing a La Liga title as recently as the 2019-20 season.
Real problems at Real Madrid
Many European superclubs seem to have reached turning points over the last three seasons, and Real Madrid are no different. With power shifting towards Premier League clubs and Paris Saint-Germain, here are 5 potential solutions to make Real Madrid successful again.
#5 Rejuvenating an aging midfield
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are bonafide Real Madrid legends who were at the forefront of the club's European dominance. At 31 and 35 respectively, some might suggest the two stalwarts are past their time as a creative force.
Real Madrid may need to explore alternatives to these legends before any dip in their form proves costly. Kroos and Modric need to stay protected as the last pillars of a now concluded dynasty. The likes of Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard, who have promised great things while on loan spells, could be integrated into the first team.
#4 Fixing the Super League fallout
The announcement of the European Super League concept shocked fans and players alike in a brazen attempt to privatize and protect the wealth of the biggest European clubs.
The mastermind behind the infamous idea, Florentino Perez, saw his dream fall apart in a matter of days amidst protests and moral rejection of his attempts to secure the status quo in the footballing hierarchy.
These are extremely tough times financially for football clubs across the world, with the COVID-19 pandemic killing major matchday revenue streams and merchandise sales.
Footballing giants such as Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid have suffered a great financial hemorrhage and are struggling to return to their old heights.
With the planned stadium redevelopment, Real Madrid have invested close to nothing in their squad. To make things worse, they have just lost Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, in addition to the departure of talismanic manager Zinedine Zidane. A substantial financial investment is the need of the hour to win the fans' confidence after these tough times.
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#3 Sign a new centre-back
Not many expected Sergio Ramos to make a shocking exit from Real Madrid at the start of the transfer window. The new PSG man played in Real Madrid colors for over 16 seasons and departed as the most legendary captain of the modern era, winning over 22 major trophies.
Together with Raphael Varane, who spent nearly a decade with Real Madrid racking up over 236 appearances, the two were the foundation of Real Madrid's defence. Suddenly and rather unexpectedly, both seem to have been shown the door at the same time, rocking the Real Madrid backline.
David Alaba, an astute free transfer signing before the window began, is predominantly an attacking left-back who has played at centre-back for Bayern Munich with the emergence of Alphonso Davies.
Alaba and Eder Militao, or alternatively Nacho, would be a significant downgrade for a once assured backline. Life in the Spanish capital isn't easy and a few mistakes by the pairing would doubt and nervousness that opponents would gladly capitalize on.
Real Madrid should ideally look for alternative player options such as the rumoured Jules Kounde.
#2 Reviving Hazard and Bale
Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard are in a complicated situation at the start of the 2021-22 season. Both seem to be on their "last chance" at Real Madrid despite being two of the greatest talents of their generation.
Gareth Bale increasingly found himself as a fringe player under Zinedine Zidane despite featuring in all of the club's recent success.
Signed for a then-record fee of £85 million fee in 2013, Bale enjoyed a stellar Real Madrid career, scoring 81 goals in 131 appearances. Despite the statistical success, he has cut a sullen figure over the last three years, disconnected with the club who are looking to move him and his enormous wages.
Returning from a loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur, the current circumstances in the Spanish capital offer Bale one last chance to cement himself as a Real Madrid legend.
Meanwhile, Eden Hazard's Real Madrid never really got off the mark. The scintillating form at Chelsea seemed to disappear with an abundance of fitness and injury issues limiting him to cameos. This has caused a massive goalscoring burden on the shoulders of Benzema, who has delivered above and beyond expectations.
Carlo Ancellotti has been brought back to the club as one of the best man managers in the world, and will look to motivate the two lost superstars back to their very best for Real Madrid.
#1 A new Galactico
The Real Madrid of the 21st century are synonymous with superstar names that raise the value and stature of the club. The likes of Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka have all contributed to making Real Madrid one of the most recognizable sporting institutions in the world.
The modern day Galactios have, unfortunately, not had the immense success and popularity as their predecessors. Gareth Bale, despite being an immensely talented Champions League winner, has been shunned by Los Blancos fans for his casual attitude.
Eden Hazard, the last big name Real Madrid signed in 2019, has been a failure thus far. These factors, combined with the dire financial situation, have seen Real make a solitary signing in three windows, a free transfer for David Alaba.
The loss of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane has only depleted the star quality even further, leaving fans desperate for a big marquee signing. With Messi's arrival at PSG, Kylian Mbappe has been identified as Real Madrid's next Galactico, and a move for the French international beckons.
