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#2 Real Madrid - Goalscorer, attacking midfield, centre-back
Cristiano Ronaldo's departure in July was always going to leave a massive void in Real Madrid's attack. So it was astonishing that Real did not even try to replace the prolific goalscorer with someone similar, in the summer. Looking back at the performances in the first half of the season, Real Madrid have struggled to score goals and expectedly so. They need a goalscorer of high quality - be it a winger or a striker. Eden Hazard (Chelsea) would be the dream signing for Real Madrid fans, as he would even be available in the Champions League. With a humongous transfer fee expected for Hazard, it may be difficult to get him in the middle of the season. But as Barca did with Coutinho last January, you can never rule the move out. Mauro Icardi (Inter) has had a good season so far, and has always been in Real's transfer wishlist. His signing is something they should seriously consider, although he has committed his long-term future to Inter in the media, as reported by Calciomercato.
Modric had a fantastic 2018, but his effect on games this season has not been profound. There is a need to groom younger players when the time comes for Modric to pass the baton. Federico Valverde has not exploded yet with his opportunities in the first team. According to Marca, Brahim Diaz (Manchester City) to Real Madrid is a deal that is nearing completion, with an expected fee of around €20 million. He is an exciting young prospect, and this is definitely one transfer that Real should try to make successful. With Isco looking for new pastures, it is imperative for Real to look at newer prospects who can shoulder the responsibility of creation and attack.
The centre-back position is one that definitely requires reinforcements. Even the central pairing of Ramos and Varane have struggled regularly this season, and their backups in Nacho and Vallejo do not have the experience to take charge of the defence. They should look to shore up their defence by bringing in some experience at the back as a short-term solution, targeting defenders over 30. Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal) and Gary Cahill (Chelsea) are looking for new clubs, as was voiced by them earlier this season. They are seasoned campaigners that could help solve Real's defensive woes at least for the short-term. Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax), who won the 2018 Golden Boy Award, is being scouted by all of Europe's elite clubs. A great defender at just 19 years of age, de Ligt is definitely one for the future that Real could try to scalp this January before his price surges, if reports from SPORT are to be believed.
