After three months of competition, Carlo Ancelotti is struggling to field a solid team this season. Before the winter break, Florentino Pérez and his team must consider new signings. The Real Madrid editorial team reveals the two key positions that urgently need reinforcement.
With just a few weeks remaining until the end of the first half of the 2024-2025 season, Real Madrid is second in La Liga, behind FC Barcelona. Six points behind the Catalans, who are set to play their twelfth matchday this Sunday, Ancelotti’s team risks falling nine points behind if Flick’s team beats Espanyol. Left without a match this weekend due to the postponement of the game against Valencia caused by weather issues, Madrid’s players are patiently waiting to face AC Milan on Tuesday in the Champions League.
The defence – the main problem
Ahead of this match, which counts for the fourth round of UEFA’s premier competition, Madrid’s management are reviewing the first team, which has struggled to dominate opponents this season. Despite major additions such as Kylian Mbappé and Endrick, Ancelotti’s team is showing vulnerabilities. From Aurélien Tchouaméni, who no longer convinces, to Ferland Mendy and Lucas Vazquez, who have also shown inconsistent performances, Florentino Pérez is contemplating recruitment by January.
For several days, the Iberian press has mentioned Aymeric Laporte’s name to strengthen the centre-back position and especially to support Éder Militão, who has not been completely reassuring. In addition to the Spanish defender, who currently plays for Al Nassr, names like Alphonso Davies and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also being discussed to bolster the two sides of the defence. While these targets are important, Real Madrid isn’t sure of finalising these transfers before next June.
Ferland Mendy’s left side on alert
Should the team be left to fend for itself until the end of the season? No! With glaring issues, especially on the wings of Madrid’s defence, Florentino Pérez and his team must find urgent solutions for January. Once impenetrable on his left side, Ferland Mendy has become an easy target for technically skilled opponents.
Even though Fran Garcia is trying to defend better and provide more offensively in each of his appearances, it is crucial that another player arrives to finally put an end to the instability on this side. While waiting to see if Davies’ transfer materialises, Real Madrid could consider a loan for a left-back in January. Admittedly, it is challenging to find a standout name before then, but Madrid’s scouts may be able to pull off a few clever moves. In any case, a solution for the left-back position is essential as soon as possible to avoid a difficult end to the season.
A new right-back?
Apart from the left side, Lucas Vazquez’s right side is also in need of fresh blood. While Carlo Ancelotti has identified a promising youngster from the reserves to serve as Vazquez’s backup for the rest of the season, it’s vital that Madrid’s recruiters attempt to bring in new players in January. To compete with Barça in La Liga and pursue a new Champions League title, they need a more reliable defensive player on the right wing. Despite a few bright moments, Dani Carvajal’s replacement has not provided the necessary assurance.
These are the two positions that urgently require reinforcement by January. With management on high alert following the heavy defeat against Barça in El Clásico, there is hope that something will be done in the coming weeks. Let us note that the upcoming matches will be decisive for Real Madrid. If there are further setbacks by the end of the year, the January transfer window will be highly active for Madrid.
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