With the January Transfer window looming – certain rumours have been thrown around since the beginning of the 12/13 season. Here I will take a look at the top 5 potential 'comings and goings' that will affect Real Madrid.
With only £58,000,000 spent in The British Transfer Market last January – it is fair to say that compared to the summer window, top flight managers are much more reluctant to spend. That said – with such success stories like Papiss Cisse and Nikica Jelavic people may wonder why managers do not spend? Of course, the likes of big spenders Manchester City and Chelsea are in the latter stages of assembling their squads to challenge domestically and on the continent.
In this article – I will look at transfer rumours surrounding Real Madrid. The potential comings and goings and reasons behind the move.
Real Madrid
Coming in:
Gareth Bale
It would not be the first 'big name transfer' regarding Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur. With Rafael van der Vaart and most recently Luka Modric switching between the two clubs, expect Gareth Bale to move to Spain sooner rather than later. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy struck a ground breaking agreement with Real Madrid to go into a 'partnership' with the Spanish club. Levy said: “The strong relationship and affinity between our two clubs has resulted in the cementing of a longer-term partnership with Real Madrid.” The partnership between the two clubs will see Spurs earn a lucrative revenue income for pre-season friendlies against Madrid, as well as loaning some of the young Madrid stars – as Mourinho is a big fan of The Premier League. Each club will also have first option to buy certain players – and in this case expect Madrid to come in with a big bid for Gareth Bale as early as this January. The Welsh winger is keen on a move abroad – but Madrid will have to pay big for another 'galactico signing'.
Javier Hernandez
With the signing of Dutch hitman and ex-Arsenal striker Robin van Persie – playing time at Manchester United has been limited for Javier Hernandez – and the 'Little Pea' has been linked with a sensational bid with Madrid. Manchester United have some transfer history with Madrid – with Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy leaving Old Trafford for The Bernabeu – and Ferguson is hoping the Mexican isnt swayed by the lucrative contract Madrid are set to offer him. With only two recognised strikers at the club – Mourinho aims to bring in more fire power to continute de-throning Barcelona at the top of La Liga. It has been rumoured that Madrid will offer an astonishing £30,000,000 for the Mexican – five times the amount United paid for. However, the more believable rumour is a player exchange deal – with Brazil icon Kaka on his way to Old Trafford. Ferugson is a fan of his own 'galatico' signings – van Persie most recently. With a creative void still left in his midfield, Kaka could be the man to bring back the Title to Old Trafford.
Ashley Cole
With his contract set to expire in the summer – Cole will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club come January. Mourinho coached Cole at Chelsea, and knows the ability Cole has. Seen by many as 'the best left back in the world', Cole may be desperate to get out of England – mainly due to the English media, and a final pay cheque at Real Madrid could do well for Cole. As well as La Liga being a lot less physically demanding than The Barclays Premier League – Cole could extend his playing career for a few more years. With the possibility of earning his 100th England cap – and most recently winning The Champions League – Cole has won all he can at Chelsea. With the his recent ruckus with the FA, Cole may pack his bags and fly off to Spain.
Michael Essien
Currently on loan at Madrid – the Ghanian moved to the Bernabeu to link up with former Chelsea manager Mourihno, the man who took him to Chelsea. Essied had been a pivotal member of the Chelsea midfield during his six years at Stamford bridge – winning two Premier League titles, Four Fa Cups and recently a Champions League medal. Niggling injuries however have tampered Essien's career, and after a length spell out he get a loan move to Madrid. Essien refers to Mourinho as a 'father figure' and the Ghanian is finally back playing football. With Roberto Di Matteo now in charge at Stamford bridge – his new, young attack may leave Essien with less playing time he has been used to in recent years. If Essien begins to shine at Madrid – expect Mourinho to make the signing perrmanent.
Kasper Schmeichel
Son of legendary Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel – Kasper Schmeichel has been linked with a move to Spanish Champions Real Madrid, to be back up to current number one Iker Casillas. The 25 year old is believed to have huge potential, according to Jose Mourinho, and is Kasper is to become half the goalkeeper his father was, Madrid would of done some fine business. Spanish newspaper Marca believed Schmeichel will 'complete the bench' and 'give minute break to Iker Casillas' – although with a future possiblity to become number one – once the great Casillas hangs up his gloves. Schmeichel's performances in the 11/12 season earned him Leicester City's player of the year and players' player of the year awards.
Going out:
Sergio Ramos
The Real Madrid vice-captain has had a recent falling out with Jose Mourinho – and most recently was left out of the squad when Madrid faced English Champions Manchester City. Although all rumours have been put a side and Ramos is now settled at the Bernabeu, do not be surpirsed if the Spainard leaves Madrid – or is thrown out. Linked with a £50,000,000 move to Chelsea – Mourinho's former club could be signing a world class defender to replace the ageing John Terry. Ramos has been at Madrid since 2005 – and is a regular starter for club and country. Ramos has reportedly maintained a poor relationship with Mourinho for some time and furthered this by publicly questioning why the Portugese tactician was critical of his players after the Sevilla game. Being left-out of the team for the Man City game can be considered a direct consequence of his actions, with Mourinho, a man of pride and principle, not one to take such scrutiny by his own players well.Although Madrid started the domestic season poorly – they are starting to get back on track. Dont count on Mourinho keeping distruptive players in a dressing room expected to retain their La Liga crown.
Kaka
Kaka has been linked away from Madrid for some time now – most recently in a player/exchange deal with Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez. Mourinho said: “Kaka can leave. For the right price.” The Brazilian has had a difficult time in Madrid. Injuries have prevented him from making a name for himself like at AC Milan. The Barclays Premier League is the only realistic destinantion for Kaka. Italian football has been in decline for some time – so a return doesnt seem fiasable. If Kaka were too be involved in a player exchange deal with Manchester United for Javier Hernandez – it potentially could re-create Kaka as a player. Manchester United are depserate for a midfielder of Kakas ability to fill in the creative void. If Manchester United is not the ideal destination for Kaka – a club like Chelsea or Manchester City may be an option. Arguably the only two players who could afford Kaka's wages other than Madrid, it is believed Madrid would ask for £20,000,000 for the Brazilian – as they look to recouperate the funds they paid Milan in 2009 - £55,000,000.
Fabio Coentrao
Fabio Coentrao was signed by Madrid back in 2011 – and since then has only been given a total of 35 appearances for the Spanish club. The Portueguse was signed to give direct competition for Brazilian full back Marcelo – but as the Brazilian excelled throughout Los Blancos' season with excellent form, Coentrao was moved to a holding midfielder, due to his versatality. However, even in the new role, Coentrao failed to work to the levels required by Madrid and Mourinho, and was soon benched. Portueguse newspaper, Luso, has claimed they have spoken with Coentrao and he told them: “He feels very uncomfortable with the constant cristicsm from fans of the club, who claim he is now worth the money paid for him and he wants to leave.” With Marcelo's recent injury Madrid may be forced to hold on to Coentrao till summer – although if they can find a replacement for the Portueguse internatioanl – Mourinho will be sure to sell.
Ricardo Carvalho
Queens Park Rangers had agreed a loan deal for the Portueguse centre back – who has followed Jose Mourinho his entire career. With spells at Porto, Chelsea and eventually Madrid – Mourinho has taken Carvalho with him. It would of linked Carvalho up with former Chlesea team-mate Jose Bosingwa. A deal eventually fell through – and with the likes of Pepe, Sergio Ramos and young Raphael Varane all seemingly infront of Carvalho in the pecking order – Carvalho may be set to leave the Bernabeu. In fact – when questioned about Carvalho's future, Mourinho said: "He has until the end of the transfer window to decide whether he wants to continue to play football or stay at Real Madrid, meeting his contractual obligations like the honourable person he is and basically end his sporting career. It's his decision and his alone."
Nuri Sahin
Nuri Sahin joined Liverpool from Real Madrid last summer – only a year after signing for Real Madrid. Signed as an injured player – Sahin struggled to over come his niggling injuries throughout the campaign – although still picked up a league winners medal with Madrid. He moved to Madrid last s ummer after helping Borussia Dortmund secure the German Championship. It is believed that Sahin chose Liverpool over Arsenal due to ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. The Spainard is still 'in love with Liverpool Football Club'. Sahin has signed a six year deal at Real Madrid – and asked whether proving himself at Liverpool would force his way back into Real Madrid's first team he replied: 'I dont know what will be happening in one week so I cant speak about next season.' A permanent move to Merseyside is posible for Sahin – upon asked whether it may happen, Sahin replied: "In football you never know. I am here first for the next season and then you never know what will be happening in a few months. I am looking forward to playing this year here and after, we will see. I trained three days with the team and everything is going well, I had a pre-season with Real Madrid and of course I need some games to get involved in the team."
Source: DSG
