La Liga
Opinion: Who Real Madrid Should Sell And Buy
With everyone in the football world still recovering from Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock move to Juventus, questions arise as to who else may exit the Bernabeu this summer. ‘Los Blancos’ lifted their third consecutive Champions League trophy in May and seem to have arrived at the end of an era.
The Madrid based club under their new manager may be looking at a complete re-build. Here is a summary of who the whites should buy and sell before the new season begins.
Sell
Luka Modric
Many would laugh at the idea of the European champions letting such a key player go. Especially with him having led Croatia to the World Cup Final in Russia on Sunday. However, despite being arguably the world’s best midfielder Luka will be 33 in September. As a result, the midfield maestro has only a maximum of 3 years left at the top level with history being our guide.
Following such an impressive campaign in Russia, the Spanish club can sell for a huge price and give fellow countryman Kovacic a chance. The talented young midfielder, mentored by Luka at club and country is now impatient on the bench and considering other clubs. Furthermore, Real Madrid boasts a wealth of young talent in the squad with Asensio and Ceballos both being held back in a packed Madrid midfield.
The board of Real Madrid and its fans will not want to lose either of the promising Spanish talents. While Isco is expected to be a starter going forward and rumors of Hazard and James making permanent moves to the Spanish capital; cashing in on an aging Luka Modric never made more sense.
Gareth Bale
This may be another difficult idea for some, especially for those who watched the whites win the Champions League final last May. Nevertheless, those who have followed Gareth’s time in the Spanish capital know it has not always been positive.
Unlike Luka Modric, Gareth Bale is in his prime at 28 years old. Be that as it may, the powerful Welshman has not reached his full potential in Spain. After Real Madrid broke the bank to transfer him in 2013, he is still struggling with fitness and hitting his peak potential 5 years later.
Some may object by pointing to the forward’s impressive end to last season. After scoring in El Clasico, Bale won the Champions League final for the whites with two incredible goals. Nevertheless, many in Madrid have doubts about his ability to deliver for the club consistently.
Some experts speculate that the speedy winger is more suited for football in Germany and England. With both Bayern Munich and Manchester United rumored to be interested, it would seem beneficial to cash in on the star at a time when most clubs will pay a lot for his services.
Buy
Kylian Mbappé
Easily the most exciting prospect in the football world, Mbappe shows incredible skill and intellect at only 19 years old. The French international is currently the property of P.S.G. and to make him the latest ‘galactico’, Madrid could have to pay as much as $300 mil for the world cup winner.
Be that as it may, that is exactly the type of money the Spanish giants are expected to have. Real have enjoyed relatively quiet transfer windows for the past few seasons. Enjoying the fruits of ‘La Fabrica’, former coach Zidane made no big signings during his tenure. Furthermore, there is the small matter of Ronaldo’s sale and the subsequent savings from no longer paying such a large salary.
Should club president Florentino Perez break the transfer record once again, new manager Lopetegui will have at his disposal one of the most promising attacking threats in world football. Simply put, there is no better signing for ‘Los Merengues’ at the moment.
James Rodriguez
Following the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Real Madrid brought tournament top scorer James Rodriguez to the Spanish capital. Four years later after said tournament in Russia, the whites would be wise to do so again. The skilled Colombian number 10 is currently loaned out to Bayern Munich and is rumored to want a return.
Whereas many in Madrid are not sure why the dead ball specialist ever left, the move would be welcome. Still only 27 years of age, James never convinced Zidane of a starting spot despite positive performances. ‘Los Blancos’ will need to find a way to replace the goals that went to Italy with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Bayern Munich loanee could be part of the answer.
Furthermore, it appears the only impediment Rodriguez faced at the Spanish club was the former coach. In that case, the only requirement would be for the Colombian star to make his desires known and Madrid to satisfy the German club. Real coach Julen Lopetegui should emphasize to club president Perez the importance of having such an addition this season.
Conclusion
Come what may, ‘Los Blancos’ are on track to being a very different team in the coming season. No doubt, the club board and officials are focused on continuing their run of trophy wins. Currently in possession of a host of young and promising talent, the ‘world’s greatest club’ should be able to keep pace with fierce rivals Barcelona.
Their immediate challenge is to transition from the Ronaldo era to whatever the future holds without too much damage. With La Liga at the top of their list of goals, we can hardly wait for the new-look Madrid to start the new season. See Madrid in pre-season action as soon as July 31st in the International Champions Cup against Manchester United in Miami.
