Real Madrid
With Real Madrid in a results crisis, here’s what their January transfer plan is
Real Madrid are in an alarming slump, having suffered consecutive defeats to Barcelona and AC Milan - and conceded seven goals in the process.
So far this season, Real Madrid haven’t been making any firm plans to strengthen Carlo Ancelotti’s squad in the January transfer window - and club chiefs are not rushing to do a U-turn on this front, despite Los Blancos’ poor recent form.
When will Real Madrid make call on January transfers?
In the wake of Madrid’s 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League, which came on the back of a 4-0 thrashing by arch rivals Barcelona in LaLiga, club bosses are determined not to panic - and that stance includes making no knee-jerk decisions on their transfer strategy. AS understands that Madrid intend to wait until after the team’s Champions League visit to Liverpool, on November 27, before deciding whether to dip into the mid-season market.
As things stand, Madrid chiefs are confident that Ancelotti’s team can overcome their alarming slump with the players at the Italian’s disposal.
At the same time, however, there is an acceptance that the loss of Dani Carvajal, who has been ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury, has had a greater impact than expected. So, as Madrid bosses await the outcome of Los Merengues’ trip to Anfield, there has already been movement at right-back: Madrid are to register their promising youth product Jesús Fortea in their Champions League squad, filling the space left free by Carvajal.
If Madrid finally opt to bring in further back-up to Carvajal’s chief understudy, Lucas Vázquez, there are three main options. For now, though, the club is determined to wait before preparing any activity in the January window.
Can Camavinga and Güler step up?
In midfield, meanwhile, Madrid are looking to get more out of Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler. With Aurélien Tchouaméni now ruled out for a month with an ankle problem, the highly talented pair are poised to enjoy greater game time than they have had up to now. Their ability to make a significant impact is not in question: Camavinga can provide his abundant energy and quality on the ball, while Güler can bring a touch of unpredictability to the attack - as well as the eye for goal that he showed last term.
Madrid preparing to welcome first-choice keeper back
What’s more, Madrid expect to have No. 1 goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois back after the November international break. Courtois’ replacement, Andriy Lunin, has failing to perform in his absence, and the Belgian’s return is sure to add much-needed steel to the Madrid defence.
And within the club, there are other reasons why there is optimism that Madrid can turn things around quickly. One is their upcoming schedule, which sees them play two eminently winnable games before heading to Merseyside.
On Saturday, the Spanish and European champions have the opportunity to bounce back at home to Osasuna - a club that hasn’t won at the Bernabéu in 20 years. They then head into international week, which will provide Ancelotti’s players with a chance to clear their heads, before returning to LaLiga action with a visit to 15th-placed Leganés.