Champions League winners Real Madrid have made quite a stir this week when it was announced that Julen Lopetegui will take charge of the Los Blancos after the World Cup 2018.
Such a sudden decision sparked a swift reaction from the Spanish FA which decided to sack Lopetegui who returned to Spain earlier than expected.
There is a sour feeling around how the things panned out in the end but Lopetegui has already put it all behind him as he already rolled up his sleeves in a new role at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Porto manager is said to be already on the task of reinforcing the squad for next season and down below are the four – actually more – players he could be thinking of bringing to Real Madrid this summer.
Alisson Becker/ David De Gea
Keylor Navas’ days at Real Madrid are numbered. The Costa Rica goalkeeper enjoyed an unreserved backing from Zinedine Zidane and with the Frenchman out of the picture it is now widely expected that La Liga giants will pounce for a more prominent name.
AS Roma shot-stopper Alisson Becker is being touted as the top target for Los Blancos. The Giallorossi custodian is coming off from a spectacular season in Rome and is set to spark a transfer battle between this year’s Champions League finalists, knowing that Liverpool are in for him as well. The Italian reports have it that Real Madrid have already lodged in a bid and are edging close to grabbing the highly-rated goalkeeper.
At the same time, the Spanish records claim that Real Madrid have not given up on David De Gea. Manchester United superstar goalkeeper has established a world-class reputation over the past couple of years at Old Trafford and is a long-term target for Los Blancos. That said, it would not come as too big of a surprise if Real Madrid made a move for him once again.
Neymar
It’s an ongoing whisper no one dares to speak about out loud just yet but Neymar could be Real Madrid’s marquee signing of the summer. Florentino Perez has a tendency to bring the most prominent World Cup performer and after grabbing the Colombia international James Rodriguez four years ago, he can definitely be expected to make a move for that one player who is expected to shine in Russia – Neymar.
The Brazilian international is flirting with the idea of coming to Santiago Bernabeu and is widely tipped to leave PSG this summer. A reported fan of Real Madrid ever since his childhood, Neymar is a £307 million target for Los Blancos. The Brazilian is seen as a 1/2 price to become a Real Madrid player this summer which is indicative.
Timo Werner/ Robert Lewandowski
Real Madrid’s frontline is set to be remodelled as well and Florentino Perez will look to upgrade the worryingly inefficient Karim Benzema. The Frenchman is said to be looking toward the exit door at Santiago Bernabeu and Julen Lopetegui is looking towards Timo Werner and Robert Lewandowski as potential transfer targets.
The RB Leipzig starlet has been one of the most prominent Bundesliga performers over the past couple of seasons. At 22, Werner is a long-term investment which is something Real Madrid need to think about with their ageing squad reaching its peak.
As for Robert Lewandowski, the Bayern Munich forward is looking for a change of surroundings and is already on alert for any potential suitors. One of the most consistent and prolific forwards in the world is a top-class forward who could be an immediate fit for any club in the world.
Alvaro Odriozola
Apart from reinforcing the front line, Julen Lopetegui is likely to make additions to his defence department and Real Sociedad right-back Alvaro Odriozola is being tipped to make a move to Santiago Bernabeu. Lopetegui was the one to include Odriozola in the Spanish World Cup squad ahead of Barcelona first-team star Sergi Roberto and is believed to be a keen admirer of his talents.
For a fee in excess of €40 million, the talented 22-year-old will not only be the investment for the future but also a valuable alternative to Dani Carvajal.
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