5 transfer targets for Real Madrid

Enter captio
New Signings needed?

Real Madrid have had a mixed season. Being major contenders to lift a 3rd consecutive Champions league trophy, their league form has been woeful.

Madrid have been brought to their knees many a times this season, most notably in the Copa Del Rey, with a shock defeat to lowly Leganes.

Real haven't spent big for a few seasons, with Zidane promoting youngsters. The departure of players like Alvaro Morata, Pepe and Danilo has left gaps which need to be filled.

Having been well off the pace in La Liga, new signings will be needed this summer. With Brazilian wonder kid Vinicius Junior set to join, Zinedine Zidane may need a few more additions to launch a serious title assault next season. The main position of concern is a leaky defence.

Here are 5 players whom President Florentino Perez may agree to 'splash the cash' on.


#5 Samuel Umtiti (FC Barcelona)

E
Umtiti has had a few frustrating weeks

Perhaps a surprising target, considering Umtiti plays for arch-rivals FC Barcelona. However, it is not entirely uncommon for players to cross the 'forbidden divide' with Ronaldo and Luis Figo being notable examples.

The 24-year-old Frenchman has been in a contract stand-off with the Blaugrana, which has led to some poor performances for both club and country in recent weeks. The reason is that Umtiti is one of the lowest paid players in the Barca team.

With Madrid's center backs looking jaded this campaign, it is perhaps time to address the position. While Jesus Vallejo is yet to convince and Nacho is more of a utility man, a swoop for Umtiti cannot be ruled out. Umtiti without doubt would be an upgrade.

The Frenchman has been a calming presence for club and country. His ability to play out from the back is an added bonus.

Reports in Spain claim Umtiti's release clause is around €60 million, a paltry sum in the post-Neymar market.

#4 Mohamed Salah

E
Magical Mo!

In recent years, Real have been known to target the Premier League flavors of the season, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

Bale was signed for a then record £85 million to provide width on the right wing. Bale however, has failed to distinguish himself this season especially. The Welshman has been injury prone, managing 30 league appearances in only one season.

He also seems to be losing his most devastating ability, raw pace. Reports suggest that Bale may need a transfer to save his career and a worthy replacement is necessary

It is hard to look beyond Mo Salah. With 39 goals and 13 assists this season, he is on course to become the first Premier League player to manage 40 goals in a season, since Cristiano Ronaldo. A remarkable feat indeed!

With explosive pace, quick feet and of course the deadly left foot, the winger would be a perfect Galactico signing. He would inject much needed purpose and drive onto the right flank. Any transfer though would require in excess of £150 million judging from the Egyptian Messi's exploits.

All stats via transfermarkt

#3 Marco Verratti

Enter ca
Verratti has not enjoyed Champions league success

As midfield maestro Luka Modric approaches his 33rd birthday, the engine room may need a new face. Few options are as good as Marco Verratti.

The dynamic Italian has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world during his stint with PSG. What makes Verratti a complete midfield magician is his passing, mesmerizing dribbling and high work rate. He has a pass accuracy of around 91 percent with 71 percent of those being forward passes.

With PSG unable to mount a serious Champions league challenge lately, Verratti could be the next Galactico.

Should Madrid go on to win the Champions League this season, The Italian may consider swapping Ligue 1 for the more competitive La Liga.

#2 Alisson Becker

Ente
Alisson would add stability at the back

The defense has been an area of concern for Zidane, having leaked 34 goals already this campaign, with goalkeeper Keylor Navas in particular failing to convince. Putting that in context, it is more than twice the amount conceded by Barcelona.

Florentino Perez has never been a fan of the Costa Rican stopper, and had a swap deal for United's David De Gea fail due to a faulty fax machine. This summer, Perez will hope to finally land a keeper of his choice.

David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois are unlikely to come cheap, while long-term target Kepa Arrizabalaga recently signed a long-term contract.

Alisson represents a world-class option, with Liverpool interested aswell.

The Brazilian has been a standout performer for club AS Roma, aswell as for his country. At 6ft 3 inches, he has decent height, good shot-stopping ability, and excellent distribution.

Alisson would definitely be a good signing.

#1 Timo Werner

tEnter caption
Timo is tailor-made for Real

Karim Benzema's form this season has been a cause of some concern, with the Frenchman mustering just 5 league goals so far. This has led to a burden on talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. With Alvaro Morata no longer at the club, a center forward is needed.

22-year-old Werner has been in decent form this season, with 20 goals in all competitions. The youngster recently made history as the youngest player to reach 150 Bundesliga appearances, going from strength to strength. He is also the first choice striker for the German national team.

Nicknamed Turbo Timo due to his blistering pace, he is devastating on the counter-attack, a typical trait of Real Madrid. With good finishing and link up play, Timo would be the ideal goal-getter alongside Ronaldo.

Quick Links