Real Madrid might be making a big mistake on the transfer market

Real Madrid have been one of the most active teams to start the 2023 summer transfer window.

In addition to bringing back Fran García and Brahim Díaz to the first-team squad and signing former academy player Joselu at striker, the Merengues have signed one of the best players in the world, Jude Bellingham.

But while Madrid fortified their depth, partially addressed the striker position, and loaded up their midfield even more with a true Galáctico-level footballer, there is still work to be done.

Even with Fran, Real still have a need at left back with no other reliable options. David Alaba is more of a center back at this stage, Eduardo Camavinga needs to play in midfield, and Ferland Mendy is hard to rely on (he is also transferable).

Meanwhile, the right back position is a cavernous hole in the squad. Dani Carvajal has fully declined and cannot be trusted week to week as a starter. Lucas Vázquez is nothing more than versatile depth, and he is the only other option there.

At striker, Joselu was one of the best in LaLiga last season with 16 goals – behind only Karim Benzema and Pichichi winner Robert Lewandowski. However, how can the mighty Real Madrid replace club legend Benzema with only Joselu? Even with Benz, they needed a backup striker, which Joselu can be. Without Benz, they now only have Joselu. That is insufficient.

Despite the remaining needs, Florentino Pérez told supporters, via Fabrizio Romano, that from a Real Madrid perspective, the summer 2023 transfer window is closed. There will be no more signings.

Perhaps this is just a mind game from the president. He may not want to make false promises to supporters. Maybe he wants to set expectations low and surprise them with a Galactic attacker to be the next 9 in between Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes. It may be too presumptuous to make too much out of a comment made to supporters.

However, Real Madrid have operated like this on the market. Last summer, they put all their eggs in the Kylian Mbappé basket and came up empty-handed at striker. It cost them the title, as Barcelona were aggressive and signed the new best 9 in LaLiga, Lewandowski.

For years, Madrid have been quiet on the transfer market, and with Mbappé rumors for a 2024 free-agent signing floating once more, Madridistas may be getting an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu regarding the Merengues’ summer transfer activities. We have seen this play out before.

On the bright side, Madrid have made big moves already. Endrick is one for the future, Joselu for the present, and Bellingham for both. Fran and Brahim are quality players, especially the former at left back.

But the 9 is THE marquee position in Madrid, as so many wonderful footballers have shown us over the decades. Real Madrid, after being embarrassed by Barcelona in the league and Manchester City in Europe, cannot afford to be complacent at this position. Even if they do not want to make a blockbuster signing this year, they should sign one more quality footballer.