Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in Sunday’s Clasico may have boosted optimism around the Bernabeu, but there’s still the sense that this Merengues side are far from the strength of previous Real teams.
It’s clear that over the coming transfer windows, Real need to invest heavily in order to get back to their best.
Barca, surely, are in even greater need of an overhaul, with Ronald Koeman’s future uncertain and a swathe of areas in the first team that require an upgrade.
In this feature, Goal turn Head of Recruitment for the Clasico pair, and recommend five African players who could help them return to the pinnacle of the world game.
Right-back remains an area of weakness for Real Madrid, with Lucas Vazquez continuing to deputise in this role.
He’s coping admirably—and netted the winner against Barcelona—but it remains to be seen if it’s a long-term solution.
Hakimi’s return to Real Madrid feels like it is written in the stars, even though it’s not a move that should happen any time soon due to the Morocco wideman’s recent move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The North African has made no secret of his love for Real, and his desire to complete his unfinished business one day.
Fofana may currently be on the injury list at Leicester City, but the quality he’s already demonstrated in the Prem should put him on the radar of both of the Spanish giants.
Last term, Barca conceded 38 goals, while defence has been an issue for both sides already this term.
Fofana offers more experience than some of the raw rookies on both clubs’ books, while he still has some of his best years ahead of him, and could be a viable successor for the likes of Gerard Pique.
He’s easy on the ball, and his technical prowess could also lend itself to Spanish football.
The youngest player to play in either the Bundesliga or the Champions League, Moukoko ended his maiden season in the top flight with three goals in 14 league games, although it would have been more had it not been for injury.
Certainly, he’s a long way from the finished article, but he’s exactly the kind of talent whose technical qualities could be refined at Barca in order for him to become the complete package.
Samuel Eto’o once said that Moukoko would be his pick to be Messi’s successor, and while he has a long way to go, he could one day help the Catalan giants embark on a new era.
At the moment, the base of the midfield isn’t one of Barca’s various problems.
However, Sergio Busquets—currently 33—can’t go on forever, and before too long, the Camp Nou giants will need a long-term successor in the base of the midfield.
Could that man be PSV Eindhoven’s Sangare?
He averaged 3.5 tackles per match in the Dutch top flight last term, reads the play effectively, and uses the ball intelligently.
The former Toulouse man is the kind of signing who wouldn’t break the bank, and could be part of a Barca rebuild.
Despite Barca’s transfer concerns, they could surely afford the reported €20 million that Sassuolo are understood to be demanding for wideman Boga.
He could be a potential cut-price alternative for injury-prone Ousmane Dembele – particularly should the latter depart in January – and his dribbling ability and technical prowess would give fans something to get excited about.
Despite persistent links with a return to the Premier League—Chelsea, Everton, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and West Ham United have all been linked with a move for Boga in recent years—he remains primed for a step up in his career.