Real Madrid are known to have refrained from making any additions to their squad during the winter transfer window. Their last major signing in the middle of the season was Brahim Díaz in 2019, when he was brought in from Manchester City.
That said, a lot has changed since then, and with Los Blancos still far from their best under new manager Xabi Alonso, the club could opt to add some new faces to bolster the team.
If the club does go down that path, here are three wildcard transfers that Real Madrid need to consider before January gets close.
3 wildcard transfer considerations for Real Madrid in January
Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo, who was one of the most talked-about youngsters last season, has struggled to find similar success under new Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim. In fact, the player has started neither of his six Premier League match appearances this season totalling just 138 minutes.
The English international was keen on a move away in the summer transfer window, with some reports suggesting Real Madrid as one of his potential destinations. However, talks died down soon after the Red Devils blocked any move for the player.
However given his recent struggles to find minutes at Manchester United, the 20-year-old could push for a winter exit. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, who have still not managed to fill the gap left by Toni Kroos, could consider bringing Mainoo in to help imrpove the midfield area.
Michael Olise
Olise has been quietly performing at an incredible level at Bayern Munich ever since he joined the club in the summer of 2024. The French international has appeared in 17 matches this season, scoring seven goals and providing as many assists.
Moreover, Olise prefers to play in the right-wing position, which has been a problematic area for Real Madrid over the last few seasons. Though the Los Blancos have options in Rodrygo and Franco Mastantuono for the role, the Brazilian is far from his best and could leave in the near future, while the young Argentinian is still developing.
As a result, Olise could be a valuable signing for Real Madrid in terms of improving their attack, which currently relies heavily on their left flank for goals.
Surely, it will be a difficult signing to pull off for Real Madrid, but rumors have earlier suggested that Olise dreams of playing for Los Blancos in the future. So, it might be too hard for the player to turn down a move if Real Madrid come knocking.
Dušan Vlahović
Vlahović is currently one of the best natural number nines in the world and the kind of player Real Madrid would love to have at the club. The Juventus star has scored six goals in 15 appearances across all competitions for his club this campaign.
Some fans might argue that Kylian Mbappé is doing an impressive job leading the Los Blancos attack, which is true. However, the club lately has struggled to find the net against some of the best teams in the world, as well as against teams employing a low block.
Vlahović can provide the club with the aerial superiority that has been lacking significantly in recent seasons. Mbappé, though undoubtedly exceptionally talented, doesn’t do particularly well when it comes to heading the ball.
Additionally, with Vinícius Júnior's future still up in the air and a contract extension far from reality, Mbappé could shift to the left-wing position, and Vlahović might be an option to become the next number nine for the club.