Carlo Ancelotti has put Real Madrid back in a strong position in several trophy hunts, but this year’s crusade turns out to be on a knife’s edge.
Amid an injury crisis at the Santiago Bernabeu, Los Blancos could take advantage of January’s rarely used transfer window to secure reinforcements in their defensive line.
Real Madrid started 2024 as La Liga leaders, just ahead of wonderful Girona, and looked forged in the Champions League organising phase, securing a knockout match against German club RB Leipzig.
The explosion of summer signing Jude Bellingham in his first season with the club is one of the main reasons for their success, helping to fill gaps in the team.
Yet all that could be at risk if serious injuries in defence threaten to scupper plans of adding to the club’s bulging trophy case.
Sporting News points out who could sign for the Spanish giants in January to help fill the gaps in a team aggravated by fitness issues.
MORE: A closer look at the injury list Real Madrid face ahead of the January window
On January 25, Sport Bild reported that Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappé had finally made a decision about his future: he wanted to sign for Real Madrid.
After appearing close to a move to the Spanish capital ahead of a last-minute contract extension with PSG in 2022, Mbappe’s long career has once again been shrouded in uncertainty of late. It seemed like he was debating whether he deserved to stay with the French champions. , his long-awaited move to Madrid or even the prospect of a move to the Premier League.
However, Sport Bild’s report claims that Liverpool’s potential interest dissipated almost as soon as it began, given the monetary needs. Mbappe and his family (his mother works as his agent) could earn just €400 million on a five-year contract. if Madrid meet his demands, the German publication reported. The Spanish club is bidding to soften those conditions.
The deal is certain, but if Mbappe fulfills his wish, he will most likely wear the famous white blouse in 2024/25.
Reports from Germany have indicated for weeks that talks between Alphonso Davies and Bayern Munich over a new contract for the Canadian have stalled.
His current contract expires in June 2025, and an extension was verbally agreed to this year. German publication Bild reports that Davies has since increased his demand to nearly €15 million per year, up from the €12 million previously agreed.
If Davies cannot come to an agreement, it could push the German club to sell in January, knowing any more time wasted in fruitless negotiations would see his value drop. Bild has thus linked Davies to Real Madrid
The 23-year-old has been a dynamic player at Bayern, his versatility as a winger or full-back would give Ancelotti some flexibility to deploy Davies in his ever-changing tactical approach.
When Raphael Varane left Real Madrid in August of 2021, it was a surprise as the Frenchman had developed into a world-class defender, and Manchester United pounced on his availability for a big-money fee.
Still, all is well at Old Trafford, as Varane is limited to a replacement role this season having squandered all of Erik ten Hag’s trust. According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, Man United know that Varane is not satisfied and there is a winter sale on the horizon. In addition, reports in Spain claim that Varane has been introduced to Madrid through his agent.
Despite the obvious need for coverage, with the exclusion of Eder Militao and David Alaba, Ancelotti will review Aurelien Tchouameni at centre-back before making a decision on a new signing.
The 22-year-old Portuguese centre-back, Goncalo Inácio, rose to European fame at Sporting CP, helping the club to the top of the Liga Portugal table with 15 goals conceded in 14 games.
Spanish publication AS claims that Real Madrid have been following Inacio closely for some time, with a clause of around €60 million, but it would be difficult to negotiate that sum downwards.
However, with Ancelotti sticking to what he was given in January, a summer offer is more likely.
Bellingham has breathed new life into Real Madrid and elevated the club to the best of several competitions, so can you expect to see the double?
According to Spanish publication Sport, 18-year-old Jobe Bellingham is impressing at EFL Championship side Sunderland, and while that would usually be a pretty significant jump from the English second tier to the most decorated club in Europe, there’s an obvious link here.
Jobe Bellingham bears a striking resemblance to his brother Jude and plays in the same position, but it remains to be seen whether the youngster, who joined Sunderland from Birmingham City last summer for €1. 75m, would be a realistic option to join. with his older brother.
Real Madrid’s most sought-after position in the January transfer window is centre-back, following long-term injuries to Militao and Alaba, who have ruptured their ACL this season.
Militao’s injury occurred in the first game of the season, meaning he is expected to return in the coming months, but Alaba went down in December, meaning he is done for 2023/24 and in all likelihood for the start of next season.
Ancelotti is a fan of January’s moves and will only replace tactics if his political options convince him.