No New Forward for Real Madrid in January, says Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed the idea of signing a new forward in the upcoming January transfer window, despite facing a shortage of options up front.

The club opted not to seek a replacement when Karim Benzema departed for the Saudi Pro League, relying on Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, both naturally wide players, in a central striker partnership.

Ancelotti emphasized that the squad was planned in the summer, and no changes are anticipated until the end of the season.

The ‘number nine’ position has been a persistent challenge for Madrid, with injuries to Benzema last season often leading to Rodrygo filling in centrally. The club has lacked genuine competition in the striker position since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2017/18.

Despite investments like re-signing Mariano in 2018 and acquiring Luka Jovic in 2019, goal-scoring consistency has been a concern. This season, midfielder Jude Bellingham has stepped up in the absence of Benzema, scoring 15 goals in 16 games.

While Madrid was close to signing Kylian Mbappe in 2022, the Frenchman’s new contract with Paris Saint-Germain halted the move. However, expectations are high that Madrid will pursue Mbappe again when his contract expires in six months.