The Hard Tackle lists five players Real Madrid should keep a close eye on at the upcoming month-long Copa America 2024.
Real Madrid already have a star-studded squad that has helped them win the UEFA Champions League as well as La Liga last season. They have already added Kylian Mbappe to their ranks, and Brazilian sensation Endrick will also be joining them ahead of the 2024/25 season.
While their attack looks sorted for years to come, they do need to strengthen other areas on the pitch as they look to maintain their dominance in Europe. Reinforcing the defence is going to be their top priority moving ahead, and they could also look to add another midfielder to the mix with Toni Kroos retiring.
Los Blancos already have a shortlist of players they are interested in signing ahead of next season. But, they will also have their scouts present in the stands during the Copa America to have a closer look at players who can add more quality to their squad. The Hard Tackle have identified five players that the Spanish giants should scout during the CONMEBOL Copa America.
Cristian Romero
Eder Militao and David Alaba struggled with injury during the 2023/24 campaign, and they missed the majority of the season. Their absence caused quite a few problems for Carlo Ancelotti as he only had Nacho Fernandez and Antonio Rudiger available to him and had to ask Aurélien Tchouameni to fill in as a centre-back in important moments.
No doubt Real Madrid coped well with their absence, but they are now keen on adding depth to their back with Nacho’s future uncertain and Rudiger and Alaba on the wrong side of 30. The team in white have been linked with Cristian Romero, who has been a standout performer for both club and country over the past few years.
He will be an integral player for Argentina at the back as they look to retain the Copa America title, and it will give Madrid an opportunity to have a closer look at the 26-year-old before they decide whether to go all out for his signature or not.
While they do not need to battle with multiple top clubs for his services, Real Madrid will have to convince Tottenham Hotspur to sell one of their stars which could prove to be a very difficult task.
Piero Hincapie
If Nacho does end up leaving, Real Madrid might need to sign at least two new centre-backs to ensure they have enough depth and quality in their ranks to maintain their dominance. Piero Hincapie is a player who could be a great fit for their team.
The 22-year-old left-footed centre-back has the potential to reach great heights, and he could be an ideal long-term partner for Militao in the heart of the defence. Not only will add depth to the centre-back position, but the Bayer Leverkusen defender could also feature as a left-back when needed.
He has had a great season at the club level and is now looking all set to help Ecuador go a long way in the Copa America. Multiple top clubs are expected to scout him during the continental tournament, and Real Madrid will be one of them.
Even if Real Madrid decide to make a move for him depending on his performances at Copa America, they will have to battle it out with Liverpool, who are working hard to add him to their squad.
Alphonso Davies
Alphonso Davies has been linked with a move to Real Madrid for weeks now. With his contract at Bayern Munich running out in the summer of 2025, Los Blancos are looking to make the most out of the situation. The German giants are keen on keeping hold of their star, but they will struggle as he doesn’t seem interested in penning down a new deal.
The 23-year-old left-back is currently focused on doing his best for Canada at the Copa America. The continental tournament will provide Real Madrid with the perfect opportunity to scout him further. Davies is already amongst the best full-backs in the world, but he is all set to feature in a team where he won’t have much support. As a result, it will be a tough test for him.
While the Spanish giants already have Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia in their ranks, they want an upgrade on the left flank and feel Davies could be a great fit for them. The Copa America will give them an opportunity to double-check before they make any concrete move.
Yan Couto
While Real Madrid are looking for an upgrade at the left-back position, they surely need to bring in a new right-back in the near future. Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez are both 32, and they are not going to get any younger.
Caravajal seems to be in the form of his life, but age will soon catch up with the Spanish international. So, Real Madrid need to be prepared for the long run. As a result, signing a right-back is also quite high on the list.
Yan Couto is one of the names that has been linked with Real Madrid on the back of his sensational performance for Girona. The Manchester City full-back, who was on loan at the Catalan club, contributed towards 12 goals last season as Girona managed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
With his contract at Manchester City running out in a year, Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona are all interested in acquiring the services of the 22-year-old right-back. Couto is currently focused on helping Brazil go the distance at the Copa America and his future will most likely be decided after the tournament ends.
With multiple top clubs keen on his services, Real Madrid have one final opportunity to scout the Brazilian international, who will be under pressure to deliver. His performances at the continental tournament could help Real Madrid decide whether they want to meet City’s demands to sign the young full-back.
Yunus Musah
While Real Madrid already have enough depth in their midfield, they could look to add another young player to the mix after Toni Kroos’s retirement. They will be keeping a close eye on the continental tournaments to scout players who could fit into their squad.
Yunus Musah could be a player of interest. The 21-year-old enjoyed a sensational debut season at AC Milan, and he is well accustomed to Spanish football, having come up the ranks at Valencia. While he has not been linked with the team in white, his performances for USA at the Copa America could result in interest from Los Blancos.
Musah has all the qualities needed to succeed at the top and he has already had a great start to his career. His ability to feature in multiple roles could attract a lot of interest, and Real Madrid could be one of the clubs that eventually push for his signature.
