Top 5 transfer priorities for Real Madrid in 2021

Zinedine Zidane-Real Madrid-1

Real Madrid may have endured a satisfying 2020, firstly breaking the dominance of Barcelona in La Liga after being crowned the La Liga last term and now they are trailing Atletico Madrid by two points in the league table. In the meantime, Madrid had their fair share of troubles as they got eliminated from the Champions League round of 16 earlier this year and also endured a rough patch in the Spanish top-flight before recovering with a string of impressive displays. It is clear that Zinedine Zidane’s men have a lot to do with their transfer strategies in order to prevail in 2021. Here are their top five priorities

Extending Sergio Ramos’s stay at Bernabeu

Sergio Ramos is currently one of the best defenders if not the best and his consistency this year is a testimony to it. However, Madrid are caught up in a dilemma whether to extend his contract – his current deal expires in June – or cut ties with him. The solution is simple: Ramos’ services are needed for Los Blancos at least for another year. The veteran centre-back’s potential destination appears to be PSG if he leaves his long-time and the French giants are ready to take him at all cost. Tottenham have also shown interest of late.

Finding a quality central defender

Even if Ramos stays for another season or doesn’t, the Spanish capital should sign a promising centre-back. Madrid’s lacklustre defence received more sticks whenever they put up a horrible display, with the star centre-back Raphael Varane finding himself at the receiving end often due to his uncharacteristic errors. The situation needs to be resolved and Zidane should find a way to bring a quality defender to Bernabeu.

Adding depth to the midfield

Luka Modric is at the ebb of his career – albeit his impressive performances this season and Toni Kroos is not looking like the player he once was. Furthermore, Casemiro’s responsibility has grown up while Federico Valverde and Martin Odegaard are too young to carry a chip on their shoulders. Hence, Los Blancos need to strengthen the midfield at least in the summer transfer window. Paul Pogba and his French counterpart Eduardo Camavinga are looking as realistic options.

Sign either Haaland or Mbappe

It is normal for any world-class players to get linked with Madrid as they hold the reputation for doing so in almost every transfer window. But there haven’t been any high-profile signings in the last two seasons – Hazard and Jovic are considered as failures – and it needs to be ended soon. Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are on the transfer radar of the defending La Liga Champions and both of them have the capability to be game-changers.

Balanced Forward line

Madrid have gone from having Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo in the same line-up – cited as one of the deadliest trio in history to relying on the left-alone Benzema to change the game. Besides the French striker, no forwards – including the likes of Jovic, Hazard, Vinicius and Rodrygo – have been consistent this season. The attacking line-up should be a well rounded one if Madrid are to dominate the upcoming year.