Five players who could join Real Madrid in January

Cameron Smith

• 7 Jan 2024 21:30 GMT
• 4 min read

Real Madrid’s failure to sign a new striker to replace Karim Benzema during the summer transfer window was seen as a huge error as the 2023-24 season began.

Los Blancos lost their talisman to the Saudi Pro League as Benzema opted to accept a free transfer move to Al-Ittihad upon the expiration of his Real Madrid contract in June.

Joselu was the only new striker to arrive during the summer and the Spaniard was only signed on loan from Espanyol, but the impact of Jude Bellingham has ensured Real Madrid have not missed Benzema.

The England international has scored 17 goals and provided five assists in just 22 Los Blancos appearances after a sensational start to life in Spain.

Despite Bellingham’s form, Real Madrid have been linked with signing a traditional striker in January, while a new defender has also been touted.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through five players who could join Carlo Ancelotti’s side in January.

Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord)

Feyenoord are facing an uphill battle to win the Eredivisie this season due to the fact PSV have picked up maximum points from the opening 16 games, but Santiago Gimenez is doing his very best to ensure they’re in the fight come May.

The Mexican forward has netted 18 league goals - plus a further two in the Champions League - and that form has caught the attention of Real Madrid and Chelsea.

We understand that Gimenez’s entourage won’t push for a January exit, but Real are interested in a move and if Feyenoord’s asking price is met, then a deal could happen.

Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)

Takefusa Kubo has excelled since his move to Real Sociedad, but his former club are eyeing a move in 2024.

The Japan international left Real Madrid last year, but they are keen on bringing him back to the Santiago Bernabeu, according to reports in Spain.

He shone when Sociedad faced Real Madrid earlier this campaign and a permanent move back to Los Blancos is on the cards, especially given they have a 50% sell-on clause, meaning Kubo would essentially be half-price for Ancelotti’s team.

Miguel Gutierrez (Girona)

Just like Kubo, Miguel Gutierrez also left Real Madrid on a permanent deal in 2022 and the Spanish giants have been linked with resigning him too.

However, the Spaniard has stated he is happy at Girona, meaning a move back to the Santiago Bernabeu is deemed unlikely at this stage.

But, Real Madrid remain keen and an agreement could perhaps be reached if they are willing to pay a significant amount more than the €4m Girona spent on the full-back last year.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia appears very settled at Napoli and the reigning Serie A champions don’t want to sell the Georgian, especially considering Victor Osimhen may leave in 2024, but he reportedly “dreams” of a Real Madrid move.

That is according to his father, who revealed Kvaratskhelia’s desire to join Los Blancos before Napoli’s Champions League game against Real Madrid.

Newcastle and Manchester City have both been linked with a move, but he dreams of Real Madrid. However, it's almost impossible to imagine a world in which Kvaratskhelia joins Los Blancos in January.

Yarek Gasiorowski (Valencia)

Yarek Gasiorowski has burst onto the scene at Valencia this season, and both Real Madrid and Arsenal are now looking to sign him on a permanent deal next year.

At just 18 years old, the Spaniard became a regular before Christmas, with reports from his homeland suggesting that a move away is on the cards in 2024.

Real Madrid want him and given David Alaba is beginning to come to the end of his career, Gasiorowski could be the perfect long-term replacement.