Real Madrid were hit with a hammer blow on Thursday when they learned that they would not be able to register new players for the next two transfer windows [BBC Sport].
For a club so synonymous with big-money and high-profile signings, the news may prompt a major change of direction, and will scupper any hopes on the part of Florentino Perez of building a new generation of Galacticos under Zinedine Zidane.
However, could the sanction—which means any new players not bought before the end of January will be unable to play until the 2017-18 season—actually be a blessing in disguise for Los Blancos?
With their extensive finances and the ability to recruit taken out of the equation, Real will be forced to look to within to sustain their momentum.
Fortunately, in Zidane, the former youth coach, they have just the man to potentially bring through the next generation of home-grown Galacticos.
Considering some of the talents at his disposal, he might just have the resources to do it. Below are some of the key names in the Real academy, the club’s potential saviours over the coming year.
Martin Odegaard: One of the most highly rated wonderkids on the planet; Odegaard shone in his homeland with Stromsgodset, and has impressed in the Castilla over the last six months despite rumours of a move to Celtic on loan. He was handed his first-team debut under Carlo Ancelotti, but hasn’t yet been afforded a second league appearance.
Check out the next five Real Madrid wonderkids on Page Two >>
Marcos Asenio: Currently on loan at Espanyol, Asenio may well fancy his chances of making a mark at the Bernabeu next term—particularly with rumours linking Toni Kroos to the exit door. He offers technical prowess and is rarely caught out of position. The transfer ban imposed on Real will surely prompt the club to watch him closely over the coming months.
Borja Mayoral: The Castilla attacker is one of the bright talents of the Castilla, and has already been given some playing time in the first team. According to Goal Spain, he is reminiscent of current Juventus hitman Alvaro Morata, and Real—who allowed the Spaniard to leave for the Old Lady, only to watch him hit goals aplenty in Serie A—will be desperate not to make the same mistake again.
Mariano Diaz: Diaz is another forward who could provide some semblance of cover in attack should Los Merengues cash in on Gareth Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo. The powerful forward is the Castilla’s top scorer, and looks destined for great things.
Jesus Vallejo: The ageing Pepe will surely be a concern for Real, but fortunately for Perez and Zidane, in Jesus Vallejo they have just the man to step in and provide cover for the backline. He’s already captained Spain at youth level, and is one of the most exciting defenders in the European game.
Enzo Zidane: Maybe Zizou has planned this all along?! Indeed, what better excuse to give your son a promotion to the Real Madrid first team than by preventing Old Man Perez from splashing the cash. Indeed, don’t be surprised to see Zidane give his son a promotion to the first XI before the season’s out. Who knows, perhaps this is set to be the perfect continuation of the Zidane dynasty at Real Madrid.
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