Real Madrid: Analyzing which transfers are actually needed
Goalkeepers
Thibaut Courtois – Should Stay
Andriy Lunin – Should Stay
Real Madrid have two great goalkeepers in Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin and that’s that. No changes are expected there especially with the incredible season Courtois has had nor should there be any adjustments. The arrival of Carlo Ancelotti will not alter anything to this either. In short, the goalkeeping situation at the club is safe and will be for quite a few years.
Defenders
Dani Carvajal – Should Stay
Alvaro Odriozola – Should Stay
Sergio Ramos – Expected to Leave
Eder Militao – Should Stay
Raphael Varane – Expected to Leave
Nacho Fernandez – Should Stay
David Alaba – New Arrival
Ferland Mendy – Should Stay
Marcelo – Should Leave
Jesus Vallejo – Should Leave
On paper, Real Madrid are covered defensively but it is a lot more complex than that. Personally, I think that cashing in on Dani Carvajal at this time would be a good piece of business given his problems with injuries but when he’s fit, he’s easily one of the best in the world. That’s the difference between the wants and needs of Madridistas though – we don’t need to sell him because letting him go would mean we need someone else in his place and even if Alvaro Odriozola was good enough to take that spot, a replacement will be needed. We can’t depend on Lucas Vazquez consistently slotting in as a makeshift right-back.
If rumors are to be believed, Sergio Ramos will leave at the end of his contract (which will save Real Madrid in terms of wages) while the club is looking to possibly let Raphael Varane go since he has no plans to renew and his contract ends next season. Add to that the fact that Marcelo could also be leaving, Real Madrid now lose three players in defense. Because of that, the arrival of David Alaba is massive – a free transfer with incredible experience and can play seamlessly in the center of defense or as a left-back. Real Madrid cover two positions with one free signing (albeit on extremely high wages). If needed, the Austrian can also be backup to Carlos Casemiro as a defensive midfielder, though we shouldn’t expect to see that happening too often.
If things go as the rumors are expecting them to, Real Madrid’s starting back four in the upcoming season could be Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy. However, Marcelo’s departure could be classified as a need and in that case, the club could look to bring in someone who would be a backup to Mendy. The return of Sergio Reguilon is not completely off the table but would he be willing to return to the club as a backup? Possibly not. Jesus Vallejo is currently on loan to Granada and he’ll be returning to the club this summer but they’ll want to cash in on him and if they are unable to, then expect him to leave on yet another loan deal.