The 2022 summer transfer window for Real Madrid will be nothing short of remarkable, to say the least. Since the 19/20 window, Los Blancos have been rather quiescent in the transfer market, paving the way for one sumptuous window.
Everything suggests that the 2022/23 window is the one where Real Madrid comes out with all guns blazing. Big-name signings as that of Mbappe and Haaland are expected, maybe alongside a right back. Piling up the money these past couple of years precedes something exemplary. Something that would see an extravagant amount of money get splashed.
However, 2022 would see some top players getting freed up of their contracts and becoming free agents. Strengthening the squad through free agents is the best bit of business any club in the world can do. If Real Madrid can target the right players, Madridistas have a lot to look forward to next season.
Nonetheless, when we look back at the club’s past signings, we come to realize that signing free agents is not really the ‘Real Madrid Way.’
According to Transfermarkt, before signing David Alaba this season, the last free agent that Real Madrid signed was Hamit Altintop back in 2011/12.
However, looking at how Alaba’s working out so far, the club shouldn’t hesitate on going all out for the top free agents.
Here are my top three picks.
PSG – Kylian Mbappe
Starting off with Kylian Mbappe, obviously. Pretty sure no one thought that he would ever be available as a free agent, but here we are. His transfer was supposed to break the market, but you can’t really predict anything in football.
His contract runs out in 2022, and there’s a possibility that he signs a pre-contract in January. There have been no initiatives from either PSG or Kylian himself, indicating a longer stay at the French capital.
The day Kylian signs that contract, it would be a red-letter day for the club and its fans. Everything suggests that this day would come next season, putting this dramatic saga to an end.
In Ligue 1 this season, he has averaged 0.52 goals and 0.6 assists per game, according to FBref. Despite being the central figure of all the drama, the numbers he is putting up this season are extraordinary. These numbers will inevitably increase in a better environment.
We’ve all witnessed the link-up between Mbappe and Benzema in the occasional national team games. It seems like they’ve developed some sort of a telepathic understanding, an understanding that will improve as they continue to play together.
The Benzema-Mbappe chemistry combined with Vinicius’ electricity and recently developed clinical prowess is something to be excited about. We’re yet to figure out how they will play together, but Mbappe would without a doubt, fit in well.
Olympique Marseille – Boubacar Kamara
Next up, we have Marseille’s young midfielder, Boubacar Kamara. He’s another top talent whose contract runs out next season, with no rumors about a possible renewal.
There has been no news linking Boubacar to Real Madrid, but the current season is far from over. He has been linked to some English clubs, but when Real Madrid comes calling, saying no can be the hardest thing in the world.
Some other midfield options were Paul Pogba and Franck Kessie, but I doubt either of them would have settled for secondary roles. When you’re competing with Kroos, Casemiro, and Modric, there’s a good chance that you won’t be a starter.
While there is enough depth in Real Madrid’s midfield, there is still no backup for Casemiro. The club missed out on Marc Roca last season, who ended up going to Bayern Munich.
Kamara’s primary role is that of a CDM, but his versatility equips him to assume almost any midfield role. Surprisingly, he can also play as center-back, very efficiently. His versatility can be vital to Real Madrid, considering their injury record season after season.
He’s a great ball carrier, good in the air, and physically dominant. A similar player to Casemiro on the defensive front, but also possesses great technical ability. He’s been a part of various systems and is well-suited for experiments.
He averages 1.76 tackles and 1.65 interceptions in Ligue 1 this season, per FBref. It’s not his best start to the season, but will only improve from here.
Kamara is just 21 years of age will a lot of room for improvement, but also with a lot of potential. Real Madrid must find a backup for Casemiro, and Boubacar would be a great option to go for.
Chelsea FC – Antonio Rudiger
At last, we have Chelsea’s center-back, Antonio Rudiger. There’s a bit of uncertainty regarding his future, and there’s a strong possibility that he’ll renew his contract.
As per Sergio Quirante, there haven’t been any contacts, but Real Madrid does show interest in Rudiger. They want to replicate the Alaba operation.
Rudiger is a part of what is arguably the best defense in the world. One can argue that Thomas Tuchel’s system helps him, but no system can succeed without world-class players. If he ends up not renewing the contract, not going after him would be a massive mistake.
He is a solid, ball-playing center-back who can play as either left or right center-back. He is athletic, pacy, great in the air, and possesses phenomenal positional awareness. He is 28 years of age, which is relatively young for a center-back.
Chelsea has kept seven clean sheets in the Premier League this season, with Rudiger playing a pivotal role in that feat.
Alaba and Militao have done really well holding up the club’s defense. Losing two of their starting center-backs last season put Real Madrid in a ponderous situation, and signing a center-back is imperative. There’s no better option than Rudiger.
If this transfer does happen, it will raise some difficult questions. Will he start over Militao or Alaba? If not, will he settle for a secondary role? There’s no answer to these questions right now, but Real Madrid needs to capitalize on this opportunity because it doesn’t come around very often.