Real Madrid: Analyzing which transfers are actually needed
Midfielders
Carlos Casemiro – Should Stay
Toni Kroos – Should Stay
Luka Modric – Should Stay
Federico Valverde – Should Stay
Isco – Should Leave
Martin Odegaard – Should Stay
Dani Ceballos – Should Leave
The midfield is a position that definitely needs to be spoken about. Los Blancos currently have three starters with the only backups being Federico Valverde and Isco. Luka Modric isn’t getting any younger and even though he has been exceptional, he won’t be able to play every match this season. Real Madrid will need to look into selling Isco if they can get a good amount for him and replacing him with another midfielder who will be willing to be a backup but is still good enough to play quite consistently whenever Kroos or Modric are rested or (God forbid) injured.
Isco has had many years at the club and it’s safe to say that even though he is good enough, he’s not consistent enough. It’s difficult to depend on a player when you aren’t sure what version of the player will show up on the day. It’s a liability to the club but it remains to be seen how much they can get for him if they choose to sell him – I assume it won’t be a very high figure nor should it be. The question then becomes, who replaces him? Asensio could be chosen as a replacement but it’s not his natural position which in itself would be a very risky move.
During the past few seasons, Real Madrid have focused a lot on their attacking threat and defensive solidity that the midfield seems to have been forgotten. We are on the verge of regretting this and something will need to be done soon – this could be why Zinedine Zidane reportedly asked for Paul Pogba from Manchester United often as well.
Having said that, the return of Martin Odegaard on loan is expected. He hasn’t had the best of seasons last year and decided to leave to Arsenal in January where he did quite well but will need improvement. He’s ready to continue growing at the club though. Dani Ceballos is another Arsenal loanee who is expected to return but all signs have pointed towards him being sold if possible during the summer.