Real Madrid Transfers: The 4 biggest priorities in 2021

3. Real Madrid need to sign some midfield depth

Right now, Real Madrid have a handful of midfielders who are legitimately world-class. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are undeniably two of the world’s best, and I would absolutely listen to an argument stating that one of them is definitively the top midfielder in world football. Now, I would give the same grace to Kevin De Bruyne, but Kroos and Modric are on that shortlist, no doubt.

Casemiro remains one of the very best defensive midfielders, so Real have three proven world-class midfielders. Then there is Fede Valverde, whose excellence in combination with his youth makes him the most valuable midfielder on the transfer market. And finally, Real have Martin Odegaard, whose talent was visible for every fan of Spanish football to see in the 2019-2020 season.

After those five players, Real Madrid precious little. Isco isn’t a true midfielder in a three-man group, and he seems to be on his way out. It would be a surprise if Isco is in Real’s squad for the 2021-2022 season. Loanee Dani Ceballos is even less impressive and may not have a real future in Madrid.

So that leaves a hole in midfield that must be filled. Real Madrid have a limited budget, but if they strike out on a goal-scorer, then Eduardo Camavinga needs to be signed. Otherwise, Real will have squandered another chance at a productive summer transfer window.

Camavinga is the best possible option for Los Blancos, but there are other worthy signings. Lyon’s Houssem Aouar, for example, has all the tools to be a world-class attacking-minded central midfielder for the La Liga giants.