Real Madrid Transfers: The 4 biggest priorities in 2021

2. Signing a world-class goal-scorer

This may not be a realistic goal for Real Madrid in 2021 depending on who is available to sign and how much money Los Blancos actually have, but it is nevertheless one of the top two priorities for the club right next to re-signing Sergio Ramos.

Real Madrid’s reliance on Karim Benzema is troubling. This will be the third season in which he scores over 20 goals and none of his teammates even score 10, if the current pace holds up. Benz has scored eight goals in 15 Matchdays (13 total appearances), and Casemiro and Fede Valverde are next in line with three apiece. Vinicius Junior is the only other forward with multiple goals in La Liga, and that’s simply not good enough.

Kylian Mbappe is the dream, but, unfortunately, the PSG phenom is starting to look more and more like a pipe dream in 2021. If he truly dreams of playing for Real Madrid, then Los Merengues may have to cross their fingers that he holds off on signing a lucrative, sure-fire extension with the Parisians in order to switch to Madrid in 2022 on a free transfer.

Erling Haaland is an alternative, but he probably won’t be available in 2022. So then the “real” alternative becomes left-footed right winger Mohamed Salah, who is absolutely a Galactico-level player. But as a Galactico-level player, he will command a price that may not be THAT much cheaper than Mbappe’s. At least in his case, however, it’s easier to negotiate with a reluctant Liverpool than a reluctant PSG, who have the backing to simply slam the door in anyone’s face.

We are in for a rollercoaster summer, but I cannot stress the importance of signing a proven goal-scorer who can help Benzema carry the load.