Zinedine Zidane has done it again. He has uplifted his beloved Real Madrid from the ruins and guided them to their 34th La Liga title.
Real Madrid couldn’t quite manage to score a plethora of goals, but their defensive solidity did more than enough to secure the title.
On paper, there’s hardly anything wrong with Zinedine Zidane’s title-winning squad.
Up top, they have an in-form Karim Benzema, two hungry superstars in Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic, two budding Brazilians in Vinicus Jr and Rodrygo, and Spain’s favourite golden boy Marco Asensio.
In the middle, they have Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Isco, Casemiro, and Fede Valverde — all of whom can produce match-winning performances, on cue.
And finally, the defence — which happens to be the best in Europe — has the likes of Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Nacho, Marcelo, and Eder Militao.
Gareth Bale, Mariano Diaz, James Rodriguez, and Dani Ceballos are also on Real Madrid’s books, but Zidane is unlikely to depend on these players, next season.
Where can Real Madrid improve?
Over the years, Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, has tweaked his transfer policy. Under his tutelage, Real Madrid have focused more on signing young prospects, steering clear of overpriced world-beaters.
Los Blancos haven’t stopped signing proven talents, of course, but the mindless spending has been toned down quite drastically.
In the 2020-21 campaign, Real Madrid are likely to depend on their excellent blend of young prospect and proven talents to gallop to silverware, just as they have this season.
The president has made it clear that the club won’t spend big this season and would keep their faith in the players they already have.
However, that doesn’t mean that Real Madrid have stopped looking — they never do. The Spanish champions are reportedly keeping tabs on RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano — a budding U21 French centre-back.
The move, however, would only materialise if Real Madrid manage to offload dependable stalwart, Nacho. Else, Upamecano is unlikely to get the opportunity to prove his worth.
Los Blancos are also in dire need of a cover for their invaluable defensive midfielder, Casemiro. He’s the only Real Madrid star who doesn’t have a natural replacement, yet, and the club would love to patch that up.
Rennes’ teen sensation, Eduardo Camavinga, has emerged as a favourite. But the French club’s €80 million asking price would be too high for Real Madrid, this window.
Zinedine Zidane’s long-standing transfer target, Paul Pogba, would’ve certainly added another dimension to Real Madrid’s three-peat winning midfield.
However, given the circumstances, the French midfielder is likely to stay put at Manchester United.
Luka Modric’s stellar end to the La Liga campaign has also closed doors for Ajax’s Donny van de Beek, who, at one point, was mighty close to moving to the Spanish capital.
The Croatian midfielder, who turns 35 next month, is likely to wear the White for at least one more season.
Real Madrid are also likely to send Martin Odegaard, Takefusa Kubo, and Sergio Reguilon on loan for another spell. New acquisition, Reinier Jesus, too, could be loaned out to gain more first-team exposure.
Los Merengues, who came out on top in La Liga, this season, don’t necessarily need to break the bank in the next transfer window.
Yes, it’s important to find a cover for Casemiro. But we believe they won’t need to spend €80 million for it.
Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema — all are on the wrong side of 30. However, judging by the season they just had, the trio can still go for a couple of more rounds, easily.
Zinedine Zidane will need to prioritise in the next transfer window. He’ll need to sign the players he desperately needs, not go after the players he desires.
And above all, he’ll need to find a way to make the most of the players he already has. He must help them fulfil their potential, help them emerge as the heroes Real Madrid so desperately deserve.
Also Read: Barcelona transfer window special: Make or break for Bartomeu and Co.