Alexander-Arnold and Laporte in: What Real Madrid need in January transfer window

Real Madrid have endured a notable decline following their immense 2023-24 campaign, but they remain in the hunt for several major trophies this season.

Injury issues have caused Carlo Ancelotti a number of selection problems, with Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Vinicius Junior among those to have been sidelined so far this year.

Furthermore, the summer arrival of Kylian Mbappe has altered the chemistry of Real Madrid’s attack fairly significantly, although Ancelotti appears to have found a solution in recent weeks.

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Despite this, Real Madrid are still in need of several reinforcements during the mid-season transfer window.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through what business Real Madrid need to conduct in January.

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Goalkeepers

Real Madrid have arguably the best goalkeeper duo in world football, with Andriy Lunin reverting to a back-up role this season following Thibaut Courtois’ return to full fitness.

Lunin was linked with a summer departure amid interest from a number of Premier League clubs, but he opted to sign a new contract at the Santiago Bernabeu instead, committing his future to Los Blancos until 2030 in the process.

As a result, Real Madrid aren’t expected to sign a new goalkeeper next year.

Defenders

Defence is a real area of concern for Ancelotti. Real Madrid have been hampered by injury problems over the past few years, and Eder Militao, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal are all currently sidelined with ACL problems.

Alaba is expected to return to action at some point over the next few weeks, but Militao and Carvajal are unlikely to feature again until the 2025-26 campaign.

Therefore, at least one new defender in January could seriously aid Real Madrid’s push to retain their La Liga and Champions League crowns.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies have both been heavily linked with a free transfer move to the Spanish giants when their respective contracts expire next summer, but they are unlikely to move clubs in January.

However, with Lucas Vazquez the only senior right-back at Ancelotti’s disposal, Alexander-Arnold could be a crucial mid-season signing, especially as Vazquez isn’t a natural defender.

In addition, signing a new centre-back should also be a priority given that Aurelien Tchouameni and academy graduate Raul Asencio have been forced to partner Antonio Rudiger in recent weeks.

Aymeric Laporte and Vitor Reis have both been linked with a move to Real Madrid, with Los Blancos in dire need of reinforcements.

Midfielders

Dani Ceballos was expected to leave Real Madrid this summer, but he has worked his way into starting contention this campaign, partly due to Tchouameni’s move to centre-back.

As a result, he won’t leave in January, while Los Blancos’ lack of squad depth means Ancelotti can’t afford to lose Arda Guler or Brahim Diaz amid murmurs they could leave on loan.

Luka Modric is set to become a free agent next summer, but he won’t leave mid-season, while Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham are all key players.

Real Madrid are unlikely to strengthen their midfield roster in January, although departures are even less likely.

Forwards

Much was expected of Mbappe following his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain and he appears to have finally found his feet after a shaky start to life in Spain.

Meanwhile, Rodrygo continues to be linked with a big-money move to the Premier League, but he won’t leave, while Vinicius Junior remains Real Madrid’s most important player.

Endrick is one player who could leave, amid his lack of game time, however Los Blancos are determined to retain him, while the Brazilian is reportedly happy to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite talk of a loan move.