A lot of fans might not agree with Real Madrid's complete inactivity during the January transfer window but it is not one that comes as a surprise. These days, it feels like the club always work with a long-term vision in sight and do not like to change course, even if things go wrong. One cannot claim that it has not worked out for them. Los Blancos are one of the most in-form teams in Europe despite their lack of depth and injury problems.
One thing that did not go according to plan for Real Madrid in recent times is the departure of Karim Benzema. The Frenchman was expected to sign a one-year extension for a long time but ended up leaving at the end of last season to join Al-Ittihad.
Things have not gone as smoothly as expected for Benzema at Al-Ittihad though. And he has been linked with a return to Europe, on a short-term loan, as a result.
Rumours even broke out that Carlo Ancelotti wanted Real Madrid to bring back Benzema for the second half of the season. They seem to be inaccurate though.
Real Madrid return ruled out by Ancelotti
As reported by ESPN, when asked about reports claiming that he asked Florentino Perez to re-sign Benzema, Ancelotti said in his news conference:
"It's a lie. We have not spoken about this with the club."
Benzema played some of the best football of his career under the management of Ancelotti and even won the Ballon d'Or. So, on paper, it would make a ton of sense to bring him back on a short-term loan deal for the second half of the campaign.
Real Madrid are looking to win a Champions League and La Liga double. Benzema has a lot of experience in both those competitions and he can certainly make some positive contribution. It is not like he left in the summer when he was past his best. The French legend scored 31 goals in the previous campaign.