Real Madrid usually have the best players in the world in every position, and these transfers sort themselves out when the club goes knocking on a player's door.
Real Madrid's model has changed slightly in the last few years, where they go for a youngster who is on the cusp of greatness rather than a great in himself. Either that, or free agent signings for good players who have a lot of potential to succeed in Real Madrid's system.
Real Madrid have signed some great players in the last few years, including a much-needed upgrade at right-back and central defense this season. Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been brilliant additions, and Real need to keep going in this trajectory.
However, the left-back spot is a tricky one. It is now paying good dividends, with Fran Garcia's sudden re-emergence, but they still need a left-back.
Real Madrid wouldn't have needed to look for a left-back if this move materialised in 2020
According to a recent report from MARCA, Real Madrid could have signed Nuno Mendes in 2020, which would have essentially put a stop on any further left-back search.
Mendes is now the best left-back in the world, by far, at just 22 years of age. He is an exceptional player, and someone who Real Madrid fans would take in a heartbeat.
They could have signed the player in 2020, when they thought of the player as their absolute top priority and wanted to sign him.
However, COVID-19 hit soon after, and it ruined any transfer plans Real Madrid had in 2020. They did not sign anyone in that year, and if it wasn't for that reason, Nuno Mendes would have become a Real Madrid player.
Jorge Mendes, the player's agent, wanted to push for a move elsewhere after, and PSG came knocking and signed him up for a good fee.
Real Madrid fans would still take Mendes at the club - I know I would, he would be a ceiling and floor raiser by far. In fact, if I could only sign one player this season, it would probably be Mendes.
However, it is tough now. Real Madrid have a hard time trying to keep good terms with PSG anyway, and a move with them, especially after the Kylian Mbappe saga, would be tough.
His contract expires in 2026, though, and if he does not renew with PSG, Real Madrid will no doubt be favorites to sign him.