Real Madrid’s 2023–24 season has thus far been peculiar, primarily due to Girona’s unexpected challenge, as they have maintained the La Liga lead for a significantly extended duration than anticipated.

By the winter break, Madrid had amassed a seven-point advantage over reigning champions Barcelona and had also won all six games in their Champions League group. However, there is a sense that a few adjustments could yield additional results in the remaining half of the season.

The uncertainty surrounding Carlo Ancelotti’s future with Los Blancos contributes to the generally pessimistic atmosphere surrounding Real Madrid; however, the initial six months of the current campaign ought to be regarded as an improvement over the same period last year.

Which individuals could be targeted and the areas Madrid may wish to concentrate on in January are detailed below.

Striker

Any major club seeking a new striker will be well aware that Real Madrid is in a similar situation and possess virtually unrivalled drawing power. A discernible void has emerged within Ancelotti’s squad due to the departure of Karim Benzema.

Stop-gap arrangement Joselu has performed admirably thus far in 2023/24; however, Madrid is in search of a new headline-making striker not only to score goals but also to open up the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, who have been forced to play more narrowly than desired thus far.

Key targets

Kylian Mbappe is the apparent target for Madrid’s attack. Although not conventionally a central striker, the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s vision of the team being tailored to his preferences is extremely intriguing, as is the possibility of him linking up with Jude Bellingham, Vinicius, and Rodrygo. Each transfer window rekindles this saga, but interest remains.

Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord, who has been performing admirably for the past 18 months, has also been connected with Madrid; however, the club faces competition from other clubs in Europe. Additional candidates such as Lautaro Martinez and Victor Osimhen cannot be ruled out of Madrid’s consideration.

Left-back

Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia are the two obvious left-back options for Real Madrid. Although the former has diligently attempted to recuperate from injury, his efforts have not been sufficient to dispel rumors that the club is interested in signing a new left-back.

Garcia has performed admirably when called upon this season, but at the age of 24, it is unlikely that he will make significant further progress. In recent weeks, Madrid has been affiliated with left-backs, which is not unexpected.

Key targets

As ‘superstar left-backs’ go, Alphonso Davies is the prime candidate for Madrid. The Canadian only has 18 months left on his current contract with Bayern Munich and there is known interest in him from the Bernabeu.

Premier League sides also want Davies but Madrid are the frontrunners and it’s believed the 23-year-old ultimately desires a move to Spain. Incidentally, Madrid has also been linked with right-backs recently, such as Reece James and Arnau Martinez.

Centre-back

There is a lack of depth at center-back at Madrid when you consider it’s a team expected to win every tournament it enters.

The injury to Eder Militao meant David Alaba has partnered with Antonio Rudiger frequently so far in 2023/24. However, Alaba has now suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury, leaving Los Blancos even shorter at the back.

Club captain Nacho Fernandez can expect to play plenty of games while midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has also been used out of position, but they need another body who can step in and do what is needed while other players get back to full fitness.

Key target

Madrid is rumored to be chasing a reunion with Man Utd’s Raphael Varane. The French defender spent the bulk of his career with the Spanish side but after rumours of a fallout with Erik ten Hag, he could soon be on the move.

Beyond that, there are limited clues as to who Madrid will target for this role. It might be worth their while to nab Daley Blind from Girona to weaken what seems to be their biggest opposition for the La Liga title this season.