With the two Madrid sides being handed a registration ban by FIFA, Alessandro Bai takes a look at how this could impact on Serie A.
FIFA’s ruling to ban Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid from signing new players during the next two transfer windows could result in a frenzied month for both La Liga sides.
Whilst Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale’s stays could be the major effect of this verdict, Serie A is also likely to be affected as the two teams from the Spanish capital could now be forced to move forward their transfer plans, consequently stepping up their interest in some of the stars playing on the Peninsula.
Reigning Italian champions Juventus could certainly be among the most interested by the Madrid teams’ punishment, with Zinedine Zidane’s side repeatedly being linked to the Bianconeri’s Paul Pogba.
The current January transfer window could indeed be the last chance for Real Madrid to sign the Frenchman should the ban be confirmed as it would prevent them battling it out this summer, paving the way to the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United to compete for his signature.
Alvaro Morata’s position could also be called into question in Turin, with the Spanish giants considering to exercise their right to bring the 23-year-old back thanks to the €35 million buyback clause inserted in the deal which saw the forward moving to Juventus Stadium on July 2014. However, according to The Sun, Arsenal could seek to take advantage of Real Madrid’s ban and make an offer for the player in the summer.
Nonetheless, despite the 10-time Champions League winners’ pressure, Juventus are extremely unlikely to sell their stars at this stage of the season, with both Pogba and Morata’s contribution being vital as the Old Lady try to contend for their fifth Scudetto, as well as challenging Bayern Munich in a tough Champions League round of 16 tie.
Inter centre-back Jeison Murillo has also attracted attention from Los Blancos, with the club reportedly considering an offer to sign the 23-year-old and pair him with Raphael Varane at the back.
Looking at Atletico, FIFA’s ban could push Diego Simeone’s outfit to boost their striker pursuit, with summer lucrative signing Jackson Martinez facing a goal drought, having scored last on October 25.
Inter’s Mauro Icardi and Carlos Bacca of AC Milan have both been eyed by the Vicente Calderon side as potential arrivals. Again, it is hard to imagine the two Milanese outfits selling their most prolific strikers at this moment unless huge bids are made.
However, both Real and Atletico have appealed the FIFA’s decision, hoping for the ban either to be revoked or to start on January 2017, allowing the teams to make plans for the next summer’s transfer window. Just as Barcelona did in 2014, putting their ban back a window by appealing.
Otherwise, with half of the current transfer window left, the Serie A could soon receive millionaire bids by the two Spanish clubs.
