Two key reasons behind Real Madrid not signing a creative midfielder last summer – report | OneFootball

Almost halfway through the season, it has become apparent that Real Madrid are lacking a creative midfielder amidst their ranks.

While there is plenty of quality in the midfield unit at Xabi Alonso’s disposal, there is a distinct lack of a player who can provide that bit of creative edge as well as greater control on proceedings.

Having had to part ways with two club legends in Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in consecutive summers but not replacing them adequately is starting to pose an issue for Los Blancos.

Why Real Madrid did not sign a new midfielder last summer

Journalist Jorge Picon has now come forward with an extensive report regarding Real Madrid’s stance on the situation regarding the lack of a creative midfielder.

As per the report, Real Madrid are completely aware that the team needs a player with a creative profile in the centre of the park.

In fact, last season the club actively searched for a replacement for Modric, fully aware that it would be the Croatian’s final campaign. However, two key factors prevented a signing from materialising.

The first one was the difficulty in finding players who met both the sporting and financial requirements. The most proven options were too expensive, while younger and more affordable alternatives failed to convince.

Real Madrid failed to replace Luka Modric in the summer. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

No profile passed all the filters imposed by the Merengues’ strict transfer policy, and the decision was taken to strengthen other positions instead.

Secondly, at that time, it was believed that the lack of creativity could be addressed through two specific players already in the squad.

The first was Arda Guler, who made a strong impact at the end of last season and began the new campaign strongly. However, with time, it has become clear that he still has a long way to go before establishing himself in that role.

The second was Jude Bellingham, from whom it was expected that he would recover the organising role in midfield he had shown at Borussia Dortmund.

That, however, has not come to be, due to the team’s tactical imbalance and the fact that the Englishman has morphed into a player with a strong instinct for scoring goals in his early years at Real Madrid.

Given the situation now, Real Madrid understand that there is a requirement of a creative midfielder and are on the lookout for suitable profiles, with Vitinha of PSG seen as the ‘great dream’ but also considered ‘almost impossible’.