Following the news that Real Madrid
will be banned from signing players in the next two transfer windows, we
examine five possible consequences of the Spanish giants breaching FIFA regulations.
Ronaldo's Real dream to continue
It would not be a transfer window without talking about a possible switch for Madrid's leading goalscorer, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The
31-year-old scored 51 times in all competitions last season, and
finished with the European Championship trophy in his hands.
Ronaldo,
who for the sixth consecutive campaign scored more than 50 goals, is
sure to be offered a new contract with his current deal set to expire in
June 2018.
Madrid are still permitted to sell players, but their transfer ban means they cannot add to their squad and club president Florentino Perez is unlikely to sell his prize asset before they can spend the money to replace him.
Will the lack of off-season activity come back to haunt them?
In an unusually quiet window for Madrid, head coach Zinedine Zidane only made one major signing in bringing back Alvaro Morata from Juventus.
More often than not, Madrid are sniffing around in the transfer market but they may struggle to keep up with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, both of whom made significant moves during the recent window.
Although city rivals Atletico have been slapped with the same transfer ban, Diego Simeone was quick to get to work during the off-season and with the quality incomings of Kevin Gameiro and Nicolas Gaitan, the
charismatic head coach is certainly pushing for further success,
especially after more heartache in the Champions League final to Real.
Meanwhile despite arguably having the best strike force in the world, Barcelona still added Paco Alcacer, while the likes of Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Digne arrived to bolster their defensive options as Luis Enrique ensures he has sufficient back-up ahead of the long season.
Good news for Navas
If it wasn't for the 'late paperwork' on deadline day a year ago, Madrid would be lining up with David de Gea as their number one.
However, they've been left with Keylor Navas, who was said to be "devastated" about his failed move to Manchester United.
Despite
the hiccup from someone behind the scenes, Navas remained in Madrid and
clocked up 45 appearances last season as well as collecting a Champions
League winners medal.
It was just the season that
Navas needed, while De Gea reminded everyone of his consistent quality
in an ailing United side. The news of the ban will no doubt bring a sigh
of relief from United and Navas, who both know that Madrid will not be
negotiating any sort of deal for the Spain number one before January
2018.
It is the perfect opportunity to allow Navas
to cement another season in goal for Madrid as well as gaining the
trust of his manager and his defence.
Time for James and Isco to come to the party
The likes of James Rodriguez and Isco will also be relieved that they should get another chance to impress Zidane.
The
embargo means it is highly unlikely the pair will be departing the
capital anytime soon, after a number of European giants were reportedly
keeping tabs on the two.
Isco
was brought in from Malaga in 2013 but like James has failed to hold
down a regular first-team slot. With a move away now seeming a distant
prospect, can these two talented schemers establish themselves as
first-choice regulars?
Can Zidane maintain the late-season momentum?
Having
taken over from Benitez in January this year, Zidane galvanised the
same players the Spaniard had struggled to motivate, guiding the club to
an 11th European Cup triumph and pushing Barca all the way in the title
race.
Despite a quiet window in the
off-season Madrid boast a squad to the envy of many but as with any
group, injuries could leave Zidane's resources looking thin.
Patience
is in short supply at the Santiago Bernabeu - Benitez can attest to
that - and a dip in results could see Zidane's days numbered well before
his contract expires.
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