The transfer merry-go-round swings back into action on January 1 as teams get the chance to buy, sell and loan players once again. Teams like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United are looking for big recruitments to get back to winning ways, Teams like Real Madrid, Juventus and City are looking to make some minute changes to get back to the top whereas teams like Bayern Munich, Arsenal and PSG will look forward to further strengthen their squads to increase their lead on top of the table.
Traditionally a difficult time to make big moves the best in the business still always find a way to make themselves better. Transfer Deadline Day remains one of the most frantic and fascinating dates in the calendar
Number 15
Ricardo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg) to Real Madrid
With just days left before the January transfer window opens, Rafa Benítez is reportedly hopeful in that Florentino Perez will strengthen his squad in the window by providing aging full-buck Marcelo with competition.
Since allowing Fábio Coentrão to leave on loan to Monaco, Los Blancos have been short of competition at the left-back position. Bringing in Rodríguez as early as January would allow Marcelo crucial rest time as the player nears the peak of his career.
The Swiss international has been attracting interest from Europe’s top clubs, including Manchester United over the past two seasons. Rodríguez, known for his uncanny ability to contribute going forward has tallied 17 goals over the past two complete seasons.Additionally, Rodríguez has proven he’s no slouch, registering more key passes than any other defender (144) in the Bundesliga over the past three seasons.
While his personal offensive statistics are down this current campaign, along with his club who sit just seventh in the Bundesliga table, Rodríguez has showcased his defensive capabilities. Rodríguez has registered 25 clearances, won 27 aerial duels and 20 tackles in just 12 league matches. Defensively, the young left-back is on par with the experienced Marcelo.
