What to expect from Real Madrid in the January transfer window

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 17 May 2021 20:30 BST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid didn’t sign a single player during the summer, and it’s unlikely that will change in January.

Like Barcelona, Madrid have cashflow problems to deal with and they are not in a position to spend extensively at this point. They clearly have big plans for the summer – Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga are among the big names linked with a move then – but nothing’s happening on any of those deals at the moment.

So what exactly will happen this month?

Real Madrid’s January priorities

In this month, it’s all about departures rather than arrivals. There’s barely been a transfer link in this month, beyond a vague link to Cedric Bakambu. The former Villarreal man is ready to flee Beijing Guoan following the change in regulations over foreign players in China and will be available on the cheap.

The DR Congo international was the top scorer in the Chinese Super League and is still only 29; given Karim Benzema is the only regular striker, it wouldn’t be the worst piece of business. But how likely it is remains to be seen.

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As far as the exit door is concerned, a host of squad players could be moved on, or may be clambering for a move. Luka Jovic’s situation continues to be disastrous, and he is set to return to Eintracht Frankfurt for some regular football. Alvaro Odriozola has played just 57 minutes for Los Blancos in the entire year, though he has been hampered by injury. But with Dani Carvajal first-choice and Lucas Vazquez shown to be adequate in that position, he may be looking to head somewhere else.

And Sergio Ramos’ continued contract impasse is still the main headline. Madrid don’t want to offer their captain anything more than a one-year extension and PSG, Manchester United and Manchester City are circling. At this point in time, Ramos seems closer to the exit door than he has been at any point of his long tenure at the club.

Any other business?

Real Madrid are likely still working away in the background on the blockbuster deal, or deals, they are looking to get done in the summer. Mbappe remains a real, legitimate option and has yet to renew his deal with PSG, which expires in 2022. Pogba wants to leave Manchester United and though Juventus would be his preferred option, Zinedine Zidane would take him in a heartbeat.

But that’s all negotiations for the summer. This month, there’s not likely to be too much that excites Madridistas.