Real Madrid coach Rafa Benítez has been cautious about talking up the possibilities of new signings at the club, citing an already impressive squad of players at his disposal. Nevertheless, there is still almost a month left before the transfer window closes – on 31 August – and there are still a number of names that could grace the Bernabéu turf. Here are ten possibilities:
Goalkeepers
De Gea: The Spanish keeper has been at the heart of this summer’s biggest transfer saga and, despite Keylor Navas and new signing Kiko Casilla vying for a place in the Madrid goal, everything points to De Gea finally joining Los Blancos.
Defence
Ghoulam: With the signing of Danilo the Madrid defence has already been strengthened. That said, with talk of Fabio Coentrão moving out on loan, a potential replacement could be Napoli’s Faouzi Ghoulam, with Arsenal also interested in the Algerian defender.
Otamendi: The performances of Valencia’s Argentinian centre-back impressed last season, arousing interest from Manchester United as well as Real Madrid. With the Sergio Ramos situation seemingly resolved, a move to Madrid appears less likely, although everything could change in the coming days.
Midfield
Biglia: After Modric’s injury towards the end of last season the need for midfield strengthening became even more apparent. Like his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti, Benítez seems unconvinced by Asier Illarramendi and Lucas Silva, and the jury is still out over Casemiro. Lucas Biglia could be one option to strenghten this area.
Pogba: The eternal dream. One of the youngest and most talented midfielders in world football, Pogba is on the wishlist of practically every big club in Europe. Moreover, his possible signing for arch rivals Barcelona means a move for the Frenchman would never be far away.
Strikers
This is the position with the most question marks hovering over it. If rumour has it, Benzema and Bale could be on their way out, which would force Florentino into making a big-name signing, or two.
Morata: In times of need, the player from the Madrid ranks would cost Los Blancos 30 million euros.
Agüero: Since leaving neighbours Atlético Madrid Kun Agüero has always been on Madrid’s radar. Should Benzema leave, the Argentine could become a stronger possibility, although he wouldn’t come cheap.
Reus: Despite the Bale’s unlikely exit, Marco Reus is always a possibility, particularly with Klopp leaving the Dortmund dugout.
Icardi: the controversial Inter striker looked to be heading directly to the Bernabéu at the beginning of the summer but the move now seems unlikely. The striker has also expressed his wish to stay at the Italian club.
Llorente: The former Athletic talisman no longer forms part of Juve’s plans and appears to be waiting for the call from Real Madrid. In theory, he could come in to fight with Benzema for his place in the starting eleven. Possible complications: a high asking price and wage demands.