Real Madrid: Five must-sign players for the long term

Real Madrid did well to win La Liga this season, but if they want to continue winning on the European front and dominate domestically for years to come, they need to make top signings in the next two to three transfer windows.

While the pandemic has tied Real Madrid‘s hands, president Florentino Perez and manager Zinedine Zidane know that they cannot rest on their laurels for too long.

Los Blancos are going to get a boost with the return of Martin Odegaard from the loan to Real Sociedad, Marco Asensio from his ACL injury, and a healthy Eden Hazard ready to put behind a rough season.

However, Los Blancos need to improve the squad over the next few seasons to complete the transition from the three-peat winning team to a new era of dominance.

Here are the five players that Perez needs to sign to assure Real Madrid continue in their winning ways for the next decade.

Dayot Upamecano

Dayot Upamecano is a talented young defender and will be the perfect long term replacement for Real Madrid’s defensive stalwart Sergio Ramos. The Merengues’ captain is a pivotal figure and finding his replacement is a daunting task for the board. Fortunately, Upamecano fits the profile.

The RB Leipzig central defender is excellent with the ball at this feet. He does brilliantly under the press, and his progressive passing is at an elite level. Defensively, he often steps up to thwart attacks just like Ramos and excels in one-on-one situations.

While there are still some inconsistencies in Upamecano’s game, he is only 21 years old and there is plenty of time to refine an already exceptional skill set.

Moreover, under Julian Nagelsman and in the absence of experienced defender Willi Orban, Upamecano has stepped up to lead the defensive line for Leipzig’s phenomenal season as they made a run to the semifinals of the Champions League. The good news for Los Blancos is Upamecano recently extended his contract with the German club with a reduced release clause of 42 million Euros, which kicks in next summer.

Perez and company should make sure they take advantage of this opportunity to secure the long term defensive solidity at the Santiago Bernabeu.