Covid, Lockdown and Hazard. New Year, Same Crap and Nothing New - The Winter Transfer Thread

All this talk about Mbappe and Haaland is just bananas, the reality is we are more likely sign some 18 year old in Brazilian and spend the next 3 seasons arguing about the fee, the progression and do we blame the coach of Florentino. I just don't see us spending the kind of money needed to attract to type of player the fans expect to see associated with the club right now.

There is a way to navigate this, we could sign guys near the end of their careers like Cavani and get a season or 2 out of them and I think there would be some utility in that sort of approach. At least until covid/stadium issues are resolved and we can afford to take big gambles.

 

My hesitation to join the Mbappe/Haaland hype train is that we have other issues in the squad that need addressing even if we manage to land either or both of those players. We're in the unfortunate position that either the jury is still out on some of our talent, their future is seriously in question or we have guys who really shouldn't see the field in a white shirt. By the time we truly trim the squad down to start rebuilding, how much can we really spend on the rest of the team if we spend 150ME+ on one player. You could argue that we don't need to complete the entire overhaul in one window but I think there is a discussion to be had around the best first step, 1 superstar vs 3-4 quality players to improve multiple positions. However, this could all be moot if there are only two big names we're interested in and this summer is the only time to get them for the foreseeable future.

 

We lack end product in attack except for Benz. That's the big issue and hence Mbappe or Haaland would be a game changer. Midfield of Casemiro, Kroos and Fede still good enough for 2-3 years. GK is top class. Defense is also good at least in starting spots and with competent back ups like Nacho. What we really need is superstars in attack. Hazard, Jovic ending up as busts makes it really important to get the attacking signings right in near future.

 

The needs of the squad grow with every passing year but goals and attacking power have been number one since the final year with Ronaldo who went on an incredible barren spell in the league and Benzema had a stellar season with 5 goals.

The attack first and foremost.

 

I don't understand why people want Haaland (an amazing player btw).

Real Madrid will still have a bad attack with him as the only good scorer.

Now if Benzema AND Mbappe plays up-front, it looks much better.

Real Madrid can't sign both of them, so Mbappe is the only logical choice.

 

Lol these Halaand rumors giving you high blood pressure huh?

 

Nope. I'd totally understand Haaland replacing Benzema if he was washed.

However, Benzema is still great and is the only reliable scorer up-front.

Mbappe is a massive, massive upgrade compared to other wingers.

Having two great scorers in Mbappe/Benzema is better than just Haaland.

 

I appreciate the optimism by Gab Marcotti in this quote. But the truth is, he got those two things spot on. Our team looks limp and emasculated. That offense is so pathetic I'd doubt they could score on fourth division part timers. I cannot wait for better attacking options. Isco, Lucas Vazquez, Asensio and Vini Jr are just not good enough to win it for us. We need better options. Haaland is the one we need to prioritize because Mbappe is mission impossible. Haaland will be amazing with the type of supply he will get at Madrid and we can build around him. We've relied on individual heroism from some key players over and over since last season to win us games. That's a terrible formula for success, especially with so many players who are consistently bad.

This truly is one of the ugliest Real Madrid squads we've had in years in terms of offensive potency. Exasperated by Eden Hazard who is worthless to our team and must be offloaded. Just get these people the fnck outta Madrid.

 

I prefer the tried and tested Mbappe personally, but I think our best option is to get Erling Haaland this summer, and convince Mbappe to opt out of his contract in 2022 to come here. We can have both! Only way I see it happening. But if we have to BUY Mbappe? GG. We're not getting anyone else because we can't afford them.

Only a oil rich stated funded team can buy both Neymar and Mbappe in the same transfer window (or carefully maneuver a buy option). I don't think Real Madrid has the coffers to afford that.

 

🚨| Real Madrid are interested in Riyad Mahrez for summer 2021. Zidane greatly appreciates the profile of the Algerian winger.@footmercato [🥉] pic.twitter.com/Aja0FWnTug

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 8, 2021

 

I don't think PSG would wait another season and allow Mbappe to go free. Or I should say to give them another year to convince him. So it is going to be this summer or never for Mbappe.

 

Haaland's €70m release clause won't activated until 2022.

And since his contract won't expire until 2024, he'll be much more expensive than Mbappe.

The likes of Manchester City & PSG can easily outbid Real Madrid if they want him now.

 

Do we need another 30 year old in our team ?
I like the player though and could possibly be a significant upgrade without putting a hole in our pocket.

 

Would suck to see him join that yucky club.

 

Of course they are.

Makes more sense for him tbh. He can play whatever he wants for them

 

I don't get it.... how does Barcelona continue to financially outmuscle other clubs when they are apparently so catastrophically in debt? It just doesn't make sense to me...

 

Exactly. As I said before he is probably already signed by us

 

I don't but the stories that barca is that broke.
Beside, they take another loan, and just move the debt a few years forward and a few presidents forward. Eventually, all teams in spain wi be sold to some rich oil dude.