This summer's transfer window has been uncharacteristically slow compared to recent summers at the Santiago Bernabeu. Last year the Bundesliga player of the year Nuri Sahin was signed for the modest fee of only 10M€. Madridistas all over the world felt as if we had hit the jackpot. World-class centre midfielders are almost impossible to find let alone recruit for such modest fees.

Unfortunatley for one reason or another it seems that Sahin is out of favour with Mourinho and co. Us as fans will never be able to know everything that goes on between Sahin and Real Madrid. So it would be unfair to just blame this misfortune on Mourinho or Sahin. We have an abundance of centre midfielders at Real Madri, but are we ready for the new season? Xabi Alonso is the finest deep field marshal in the world, however he is aging and Sahin who played as his replacement last year seems more likely to leave than stay at this point. Mourinho's words before the Eusebio Cup on Sahin being in the gray area could foreshadow a loan move for the turkish international. Last year when Khedira was injured, many madridistas began to truly appreciate his presence in the starting line up. Without Khedira I can help but feel pessimistically about future classicos. Lass is a great option for against smaller teams because of his tenacity, fighting spirit and ball winning abilities but he is not at the same overall level of Khedira. It had been reported on numerous occasions that Lass is planning to run down the last year on his contract and move on a free transfer for a larger salary. Lass is a versatile player and him being able to play as an emergency right back may be very useful especially since there does not seem to be many right back options in the market. Granero began to enjoy more minutes towards the second half of the season, mostly against weaker sides playing next to Xabi Alonso. Mourinho truly loves Granero's work ethic and him being Real Madrid through and through is very popular among the Bernabeu faithful. Granero seems as if he does not have the potential to further develop as a player within the next few years. With the possible arrival of Luka Modric, Granero may see his playing time further shortened because neither him or modric are excellent defensively.

Centre Midfielders going into next year:

1) Xabi Alonso

2) Sami Khedira

3) Esteban Granero

4) Lassana Diarra (wants to run down contract but can play RB)

5) Nuri Sahin (future seems unclear)

6) Luka Modric (possible arrival, can play advanced as well)

With only two recognized defensive midfielders in our squad, should we go into the market for another defensive midfielder? If yes, then who?