5 Transfer Targets for Real to consider in January

Real Madrid are one of the biggest club sides in world football, which makes the possibility of one day pulling on the white shirt a dream for many a footballer. The Spanish giants have been known to partake in the occasional mid-season spending spree, so who are Madrid’s potential transfer targets this January as they look to cement their title credentials?

Alvaro Morata / Attacker / Juventus

With Karim Benzema embroiled in a legal scandal that could drag on into January, it’s feasible to assume Real Madrid will be in for another attacking option in the transfer window. Since leaving the Bernabeu in 2014 due to a lack of first team opportunities, Alvaro Morata has been keen to show his former club what they are missing. The Juventus striker scored against Real Madrid in both legs of last season’s Champions League semi-final before bagging a goal in the final against Barcelona too.

There is a buy-back clause in Morata’s contract, which means Madrid can bring the Spaniard back to the capital if they are willing to cough up a reportedly hefty fee. If Real’s interest is genuine, a return home may be too good an opportunity to turn down for the 23-year-old. Morata, though, has previously spoken of his preference to stay at Juventus.

Eden Hazard / Midfielder / Chelsea

Ever since his departure from Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move back to the Premier League. The same can be said about former Tottenham star Gareth Bale. Reports suggest Real Madrid will part ways with one of the two in the coming summer. A potential replacement might have been already lined up for January. Could it be Chelsea’s Eden Hazard?

The Belgian has been forced to endure a woeful start to Chelsea’s season with the entire team struggling for form. Given that Hazard’s quality is there for all to see, perhaps all he needs is a change of scenery. While clearly a talented player, Hazard has arguably lacked a cutting edge, particularly in the last few months. The 24-year-old will have to improve in front of goal if he aims to replicate Ronaldo and Bale at the Bernabeu.

Sergio Aguero / Manchester City / Striker

An alternative who will undoubtedly score goals in La Liga is Sergio Aguero. Where Hazard would have to adapt, Aguero is ready-made for the Spanish top flight having previously played for Atletico Madrid. A move to their city rivals wouldn’t go down too well over at the Vicente Calderon, but the Argentine would likely push past loyalties aside if playing for Real Madrid was the reward.

Debatably, Manchester City are on their way to becoming one of Europe’s elite teams. The Premier League club would hold out for a monumental fee for the striker, but there are rumours Madrid could use midfielder Isco to sweeten the deal. Aguero’s injuries, however, might mean this one will have to wait until the summer.

David De Gea / Goalkeeper / Manchester United

Could last summer’s most dragged out transfer saga be reignited in January? David De Gea has been vocal about his happiness at Manchester United, but, as is so often the case, the prospect of playing for Real Madrid is a difficult one to ignore. Keylor Navas’ fine form is evident for all to see, and Manchester United could be tempted to accept a part exchange deal if one arises like it did back in August.

There are still question marks, though, over why the summer transfer broke down. Did Real Madrid simply realise they weren’t in desperate need of a new goalkeeper at the time? Surely that situation hasn’t changed. Only time will tell with January just around the corner.

Lucas Biglia / Midfielder / Lazio

With the attacking talent Real Madrid have among their ranks, it’s often the case that a defensive midfielder isn’t needed. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos do a fine enough job holding the midfield, controlling games from deep. But as the matches get tougher further into the Champions League campaign, defensive discipline becomes more important.

Lazio’s Lucas Biglia could be the man for the job. Rafa Benitez will be familiar with the Argentine from his time managing Napoli in Serie A, so a January transfer isn’t beyond the realms of possibility. Biglia has scored three goals in seven Serie A appearances so far this term, showing yet another side to his game.