Real Madrid: 6 possible blockbuster transfers for Champions League glory

Bayern Munich DF David Alaba

The vast majority of the players on this list are attackers, because that is Real Madrid’s primary need. But Real will be thinking about defensive options at center back, right back, and maybe even backup left back, pending how events unfold this summer.

Center back as a need hinges on Sergio Ramos’ ongoing renewal talks and Raphael Varane’s upcoming renewal negotiations. Losing one is bad enough, but losing both would be devastating. And so you can see why Real have been proactive in trying to sign Alaba, who is one of the best free-agent defenders you’ll ever find.

Seriously. When was the last time a world-class left back for years and a recent standout at center back was made available in the prime of his career? Bayern Munich‘s loss should be Real’s gain. Los Blancos are the clear favorites to sign Alaba. Other clubs like PSG and Barcelona are trying to steal him away, but Alaba has resisted thus far. He wants Madrid.

Alaba could play at left back or center back, and he could even be a backup in the midfield. His technical quality and passing make him a great fit for Real, who blow away opponents with their ability to play through the press.

Dortmund ST Erling Haaland

Borussia Dortmund attacker Erling Haaland is one of the best young strikers I have ever seen, and he is quite literally scoring at an unprecedented rate in the Champions League when looking at his age. Whether it was at RB Salzburg or Dortmund, Haaland has been automatic with his goal-scoring in Europe’s marquee competition, and he’s been just as on-the-money in either Bundesliga.

The Black and Yellows are struggling this season. They may even miss out on the Champions League next season, which would be a financial catastrophe that benefits Real Madrid – or the team fortunate enough to land the Norwegian.

Real have a serious advantage with countryman and playmaker Martin Odegaard in their ranks. He can help Los Blancos convince Haaland to join them over the others.

Haaland is a striker who would have to start alongside the still-effective Karim Benzema, but Real should be able to make this work. They cannot afford to spend double what they did on Luka Jovic and end up in the same situation with an even better striker.

Mbappe seems like the No. 1 option, but Haaland is the “1b”. He is very close to Mbappe on the wishlist and would reasonably make just as much of an impact on the Madrid attack.