Opinion: The best possible moves Real Madrid should make in the upcoming transfer window

Midfielders:

Real Madrid's Luka Modric, who is on a large decline, could be sold.

I see Real Madrid starting to play the 4-2-3-1 more often this season. It would suit the squad and Zidane already played it in the first game for the “Los Blancos”.

Casemiro would shine in this midfield. Despite having a quite bad season, he is still one of the best players in the squad. He is a great tackler, solid passer and can cover for the creative players in front of him. Marcos Llorente has been a good backup to the Brazilian this season. He is kind of a deep-lying playmaker, but still got the tackling ability to replace his teammate. At only 24, the youth product still got some potential and could improve big time.

Mateo Kovacic is on the way out. The Croatian, who was loaned out to Chelsea this season, reportedly was offered by his agent to Inter and Chelsea at the end of the season. As Inter are linked with him, a £40-45 million deal could go through this summer.

The role of a deep-lying playmaker seems to be inherited by Toni Kroos. The German had a rather bad season, but still was one of the better Madrid players in this year. Everything but keeping him would be a rather dumb decision as he pulls the strings in the team’s midfield. Dani Ceballos is a natural successor to the team’s playmaker, putting up similar defensive numbers to Kroos. When he improves his passing numbers (especially passes per 90) the 22 years old player look like a perfect fit.

A big statement for change would be if Madrid sells Luka Modric. The Croatian is already 33 years old and even though he won the Ballon d'Or last year, Luka is on a big decline. It would not make sense to put him on the bench as he is on around £9 million a year. A transfer sum of around £20-30 million can be made on the world cup finalist.

In the double pivot, a big signing could help to stabilize the team’s performances. As I do not see Pogba leaving Manchester United, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic would be a very good fifth option in the squad. He is not linked with the Galacticos, but would suit the squad and could be worth a look at. A great physical player as he is, the Serbian is a threat offensively and defensively, winning many aerial duels. Milinkovic is also solid in defense, putting up 2 tackles and 1 interception a game. He is a dangerous player, as he shoots a lot, either outside or inside the box, and can put up great passes. He would add another aspect to Real’s game, being more of a box-to-box midfielder and that helps Zidane, as the 24 years old can play in various formations.

The transfer value of £60 million could be paid through the money Real receives by selling their Croatian midfield duo.

SS Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic could be the perfect fit for Real Madrid.

In the number 10 role, Isco is set to shine again. The 26 years old never found himself a place in the squad, because he never was able to fulfill his potential in any position. A pure number 10 as he is, Isco was never keen on playing on the wings or as an 8. In this new formation, he could finally be an undisputed starter.

James Rodriguez will not come back due to the maximum of three South American players per squad in LaLiga. He will probably be sold for £40 million to FC Bayern as they have such a cheap buy out clause implemented in the loan deal.

Brahim Diaz needs a loan and playing time, to develop into the player he could be.

For a backup to Isco, Kai Havertz comes to my mind. Another player who is not linked, but would definitely fit the squad. Playing mainly in the center-attacking-midfield role, the young German can play everywhere in the midfield and would therefore definitely play some minutes in the campaign. He puts up good numbers in dribbling, passing and shooting, as he already scored 7 times and made 5 assists this season. However, his main strength is his positioning off the ball, which is very good for a 19-year-old player. He would be the next £60 million transfer for Madrid in the summer.