Real Madrid could monitor some bargain options in the Bundesliga over the next transfer windows.
In light of football’s current economic situation, Real Madrid must be prudent on the transfer market. They won’t make any splashing signings in 2020, and if they do sign anyone, they will only spend what they have obtained from outgoing transfers.
Since Real have been able to sell Achraf Hakimi after his amazing two-year loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, they should have at least 40 million euros on hand. With players like Oscar Rodriguez and James Rodriguez potentially leaving as well, Real will have room to make some non-splashy signings.
Erling Haaland is unavailable, Timo Werner has already joined RB Leipzig, and Jadon Sancho is too expensive, so here are three more overlooked Bundesliga options for Los Blancos.
RB Leipzig RW Christopher Nkunku
Timo Werner and Robert Lewandowski have understandably taken all the headlines in the Bundesliga this past season due to their goal-scoring excellence, but Werner’s teammate Christopher Nkunku was honestly just as impressive as the German international in his first season under Julian Nagelsmann after transferring from PSG.
The 22-year-old scored five goals but really distinguished himself as an unselfish, intelligent, and hard-working chance creator. Nkunku provided 13 assists in the Bundesliga with a whopping 2.3 key passes per game. He was crucial to Leipzig’s success and Werner’s breakout season, and the scary thing is he’s only getting better.
Leipzig probably won’t make Nkunku available after selling Werner, but Nkunku is a long-term target for Real Madrid to monitor. They may prefer more of a goal-scorer, but with limited right winger options, Nkunku is worth keeping in mind. And he’ll continue to develop offensively.
Wolfsburg RB Kevin Mbabu
Real Madrid need to start looking at right back options after selling Achraf Hakimi to Inter Milan, and if they want to go with a more experienced option than Alvaro Odriozola as Dani Carvajal’s backup, then Kevin Mbabu could be a great option.
Mbabu has already been linked with PSG, who are looking to replace Thomas Meunier after he joined Dortmund on a free transfer to fill Hakimi’s boots.
Still only 25 years old, Mbabu is coming off an exceptional season for VfL Wolfsburg, and he might be the most underrated right back in the world right now. The Swiss international may be famous for getting nutmegged by Cristiano Ronaldo, but he’s a top-notch, two-way right back.
Per WhoScored.com, Mbabu averaged a whopping 3.5 tackles per game and 1.2 interceptions per game in the Bundesliga with 2.5 dribbles completed per game. He’s not nearly as good as Hakimi or current starter Carvajal in the attack, but he’s a good ball-carrier and is even better than Carvajal defensively.
If Real Madrid feel the need to get a better backup right back than Odriozola, who could be loaned to a team that will actually boost his confidence with playing time, then Mbabu is one of the few options who could make sense from a talent and cost perspective.
Schalke CM Suat Serdar
This name is a little more outside the box, and I wouldn’t consider him likely to leave FC Schalke 04 nor sign with Real Madrid. But he is another player to look out for over the long term, as Suat Serdar has already generated interest from FC Barcelona after a tremendous 2019-2020 season.
The Royal Blues will most likely extend Serdar, but since they have serious financial issues, nothing is guaranteed. Serdar is one of Europe’s best box-to-box midfielders, and only injuries and Schalke’s lack of success this year prevented him from receiving more recognition.
German soccer fans are undoubtedly familiar with the former Mainz standout’s rising stardom, as he’s already played his way into the national team squad. Serdar is as well-rounded as they come. He led Schalke with seven Bundesliga goals while also averaging 2.8 tackles per game and a staggering 2.7 dribbles per game.
Serdar is an ideal box-to-box midfielder in terms of ball-carrying, goal-scoring, pressing, and defensive contributions. Stylistically, he could be a great fit for Real Madrid if he can continue to develop and stay healthy. The 23-year-old could come cheap if Schalke can’t agree to an extension and need the money, so it would be wise for Madridistas to think about Serdar in the back of their minds. Maybe he could even help replace Luka Modric one day.