{"id":742,"date":"2023-08-28T12:20:18","date_gmt":"2023-08-28T12:20:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/with-zidane-back-on-the-sidelines-will-real-madrid-make-the-most-of-the-summer-transfer-window-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2023-08-28T12:20:18","modified_gmt":"2023-08-28T12:20:18","slug":"with-zidane-back-on-the-sidelines-will-real-madrid-make-the-most-of-the-summer-transfer-window-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/with-zidane-back-on-the-sidelines-will-real-madrid-make-the-most-of-the-summer-transfer-window-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"With Zidane back on the sidelines, will Real Madrid make the most of the summer transfer window? | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"

Real will have to be clever in the transfer market before more scar tissue builds against their formidable status<\/p>\n

\nFor much of the 2018-19 season, Real Madrid\u2019s campaign has been driven by pessimism and trepidation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

From mediocre performances on the field to a lack of purpose off it, the Los Blancos found themselves entrenched in a diatribe with a swathe of negative opinions from fans and critics alike.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

But the return<\/a> of the clubs\u2019s favourite son Zinedine Zidane after his dignified exit<\/a> nine months ago has cut through all the noise, at least for the time being. Zizou\u2019s work is cut out for him as the rebuilding job at a club like Real Madrid, with extremely high expectations, won\u2019t be an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/kevinchimuka\/status\/1113392173150502914<\/p>\n

However, unlike towards the end of his last tenure, Zidane will have financial backing from the club. A report from The Independent<\/em> claimed \u201cReal Madrid president Florentino Perez has promised Zidane an expensive overhaul,\u201d immediately after the Frenchman\u2019s arrival. A few days later L\u2019Equipe<\/em>\u2019s front page (titled Casino Royal) stated<\/a> that:<\/p>\n

\u201cPerez is ready to show faith in Zidane to turn the ship around by giving him a \u20ac500 million summer budget.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If Madrid are keen on spending heavily in the upcoming summer transfer window, they will have to do it wisely, bearing in mind their current expectations and without compromising future ambitions.<\/p>\n

Defence<\/strong><\/p>\n

Real Madrid\u2019s defence is, arguably, the least concerning aspect of their squad. Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane might not have had the best of seasons, but they still form a formidable pairing in the centre of defence.<\/p>\n

But with Ramos aging and especially if Varane decides to leave, Madrid would need adequate replacements in order to beef up their backline options.<\/p>\n

Looking at the options, three names stand out in particular. These include Napoli\u2019s Kalidou Koulibaly (27), Inter Milan\u2019s Milan Skriniar (24) and Ajax\u2019s Matthijs de Ligt (19).<\/p>\n

Kalidou Koulibaly during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on March 10, 2019 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. Photo: Getty<\/span><\/p>\n

All three have no obvious weaknesses and possess the ideal skill set expected from a defender (strength, positioning and ball playing skills), supplemented by the fact that they are young enough to be part of the club for a very long time.<\/p>\n

While Madrid would be happy to bring in any one of these players, Skriniar would be cheaper as compared to the other two, considering the absence of a release clause in his contract with Inter.<\/p>\n

\"\" Milan Skriniar of FC Internazionale competes for the ball with Danny da Costa of Eintracht Frankfurt during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale and Eintracht Frankfurt at San Siro on March 14, 2019 in Milan, Italy. Photo: Getty<\/span><\/p>\n

The 24-year-old also offers an added dimension of having played as a defensive midfielder with the Slovakian national side, and consequently can provide cover on two positions while also aiding in-game tactical switch.<\/p>\n

Midfielders<\/strong><\/p>\n

Real Madrid have a substantial amount of talent in the centre of the park, with an impressive blend of young (Marcos Llorente, Fede Valverde and Dani Ceballos) and experienced players (Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro).<\/p>\n

In order to cater to\u00a0an aging Modric and take off pressure from Kroos, Madrid need a couple of additions to their midfield. However, they don\u2019t need to spend heavily in this regard as the players they have loaned out\u00a0\u2013 James Rodriguez to Bayern Munich and Mateo Kovacic to Chelsea\u00a0\u2013 will be ideal suitors.<\/p>\n

Rodriguez\u2019s incisiveness in the final third, both in open play and dead ball situations, will add creativity in central positions. This is of particular importance because a majority of Madrid\u2019s attacks are wing-based, which is why the Colombian\u2019s presence will stretch opposing defences and bring more unpredictability going forward. Also, through his quotes<\/a> in the press, the midfielder has also indicated that there is no love lost between him and the Spanish giants, despite being left frustrated for playing time under Zidane previously.<\/p>\n

\"\" James Rodriguez of FC Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Allianz Arena on March 17, 2019 in Munich, Germany. Photo: Getty<\/span><\/p>\n

Kovacic might not have had the best of seasons at Chelsea, but he can still play a vital role in The Whites midfield with his ability to play line-breaking passes; a trait which is of pivotal importance, especially against many La Liga sides who like to sit deep and defend. Also, the Croatian\u2019s best time in Madrid colours came while playing under Zizou, which makes a strong case of having him back in the Spanish capital.<\/p>\n

\"\" Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea in action during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 18, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. Photo: Getty<\/span><\/p>\n

Forwards<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ever since the departure of club legend Cristiano Ronaldo<\/a>, the talk surrounding Real Madrid\u2019s attacking pedigree has shown no signs of subsiding. Since the departure of the Portuguese, the goals have significantly dried up for the Los Blancos and hence the need for some clinical finishers in front of the goal is, probably, more than ever.<\/p>\n

Talking about forwards, one player that has constantly been linked with Real Madrid is Chelsea\u2019s Eden Hazard. Although there is no doubt about the Belgium international\u2019s footballing prowess and he will also be a seamless fit at Real, signing him now, at the age of 28, would mean the club shelling a lot of money in return for only two to three peak years. While it would be unfair to totally rule out a move, the club should only consider Hazard as a fall-back option.<\/p>\n

\"\" 31st March 2019, Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales; EPL Premier League football, Cardiff City versus Chelsea; Eden Hazard of Chelsea looks back at a missed chance. Photo: Getty<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving on, Paris Saint-Germain\u2019s (PSG<\/a>) Kylian Mbappe, despite being an ideal solution to Real Madrid\u2019s goal scoring troubles, is a long shot considering his massive price tag. Although there are plenty of rumours in the transfer market regarding his move to Spain, the French club will go all out to keep the 20-year-old star at the club, keeping in mind the fact that he is at the core of their European ambitions.<\/p>\n

\"\" Kylian Mbappe of PSG celebrates a goal during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain and Guingamp at Parc des Princes on January 19, 2019 in Paris, France. Photo: Getty<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking into account all the factors and realistic options available on the market, Real Madrid will be better off if they work on the lines of signing Liverpool\u2019s Sadio Mane and Inter Milan\u2019s Mauro Icardi.<\/p>\n

Mane\u2019s pace and technical ability has been part and parcel of Liverpool\u2019s success in the past couple of seasons, and he will add a lot of potency to Real Madrid\u2019s attack. Although he has played mostly as a winger for The Reds, if need be, he can play in a more central role as a striker as well. In Mane, Madrid will find a willing worker, who can track back and help out with defence and also link up well with Marcelo\u00a0Vieira on the left wing.<\/p>\n

\"\" Sadio Mane of Liverpool FC runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on March 31, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Photo: Getty<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, Icardi has stacked up some great numbers for his Italian club with his lethal finishing. He may not participate much in build-up play but his positioning and movement in front of the goal is particularly impressive. Real Madrid<\/a> have been guilty of creating lots of chances but not converting them during the ongoing season, but Icardi\u2019s signing should go a long way in changing that.<\/p>\n

\"\" Mauro Icardi of FC Internazionale scores the second goal during the Serie A match betweenGenoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on April 3, 2019 in Genoa, Italy. Photo: Getty<\/span><\/p>\n

To Madrid and Zidane\u2019s advantage, being knocked out of the title race on all fronts is somewhat a blessing in disguise, as it gives them additional time to plan for the future. But the 13-time European Champions will have to be clever with the way they go about their business in the transfer market, before it builds up more scar tissue against their name as a formidable force in the world of football.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n