10 players who could join Real Madrid in January

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 6 min read

Real Madrid are anticipating a quiet January window, with the European champions seemingly content at the state of their squad and prioritising transfers for next summer.

Los Blancos opted for quality over quantity in the summer, bringing in Aurelien Tchouameni for €100 million and Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer, and the club have announced the signing of teenage wonderkid Endrick for €72m, although he won't join until 2024.

However, with Real trailing behind Barcelona in La Liga and set for a difficult tie against Liverpool in the Champions League knockouts, Carlo Ancelotti’s side may still look to strengthen in January to ensure they meet their goals.

READ MORE: Why Real Madrid could miss out on Bellingham

FootballTransfers takes a look at which players could make the move to Madrid in the winter.

Marcus Thuram (Gladbach)

While Real appear content with their options in attack, the club could move for Gladbach forward Marcus Thuram in a cut-price deal, with the Frenchman's contract set to expire in the summer.

Thuram has been linked with a host of Europe's top sides but Real could beat their rivals to the punch by moving for him in January, with the Frenchman having been in fine form for his club this season and ready to make the step up to a bigger side.

Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)

One player who has seen his reputation flourish after impressing on the global stage is Josko Gvardiol, with the RB Leipzig defender in huge demand following his performances for Croatia.

Real are interested in the 20-year-old as a long-term successor to David Alaba, with Gvardiol also able to slot in at left-back as well as centre-back and displaying quality beyond his years.

Jude Bellingham (Dortmund)

Although unlikely to happen mid-season, Real Madrid’s priority target is understood to be Jude Bellingham and the Dortmund midfielder is set to leave after an impressive World Cup.

Bellingham’s rumoured €150m asking price is a stumbling block and the player is believed to be keen on a move to Liverpool but, if he opts to force a January exit, the Spaniards will do all they can to bring him to Madrid.

Enzo Fernandez (Benfica)

Enzo Fernandez grabbed the world’s attention when he scored a magnificent goal for Argentina against Mexico in the World Cup and the 21-year-old is considered an alternative to Bellingham.

Fernandez only joined Benfica in the summer from River Plate but his impressive performances for club and country have caught the attention of major clubs and Real could swoop to get a steal on their rivals.

Youri Tielemans (Leicester)

With Real reluctant to spend big, Leicester’s Youri Tielemans could be a shrewd signing to add depth to a position that will need restructuring in the future once Toni Kroos and Luka Modric retire.

Like the veteran duo, Tielemans is out of contract in the summer and Leicester may cash in on him for a nominal fee, allowing Real to compete with Arsenal to sign the Belgian as a technically-gifted squad option.

Malo Gusto (Lyon)

Arguably the weakest position in Real’s side is the right-back spot, with Dani Carvajal unconvincing and now heading into his thirties.

Malo Gusto is thought to be among Real’s top targets to solve their long-term issue and, with the 19-year-old’s contract set to expire in 2024, Lyon could be convinced to sell before his value drops in the summer.

Fran Garcia (Rayo)

Rayo Vallecano inflicted Real’s one and only defeat of the La Liga season in the penultimate game before the World Cup break, with left-back Fran Garcia grabbing an assist in a 3-2 win.

The 23-year-old came through the academy at Real and they have a €5m clause to buy him back after selling him to Rayo in 2021, making a deal easy and cost-effective.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Should Real choose to go down the veteran route, Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta is a name allegedly being considered to provide depth and leadership in defence.

The 33-year-old turned down interest from Barcelona to sign a new two-year deal in the summer, however he is believed to be open to a return to Spain

Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

The most shocking move Real could make would be to bring in Kylian Mbappe after he rejected the club in the summer, but the forward is believed to be unsettled at Paris Saint-Germain and desperate to leave.

The Frenchman has 18 months left on the two-year extension he signed after his Madrid u-turn and PSG may be tempted by a huge offer to avoid another drawn out transfer saga.

Pedro Porro (Sporting Lisbon)

Another right-back Real could move for is Sporting Lisbon's Pedro Porro, with the Spaniard having a €45m release clause in his contract, making a move relatively straight forward for any side.

The 23-year-old has been linked with switches to Tottenham and Barcelona but Real could make a shrewd move by beating their rivals to his signing, with Porro set for a bright future for both club and country due to his attacking prowess on the right flank.