Real Madrid Femenino have done exceptionally well this season, surpassing expectations by being in the strongest position to secure second place in Primera Iberdrola and attain qualification to the UEFA Champions League. The biggest reason for their success has been the influx of new signings last summer. Elite players like Marta Cardona, Maite Oroz, Ivana Andrés, and Misa have become leading players for the side while others, like Kenti Robles, Olga Carmona, Teresa Abelleira, Marta Corredera, and Claudia Florentino, have provided value in their own right.
But, as defeats to Barcelona have shown, there is still a big gap between the world class of Europe and Real Madrid, and that can only be addressed through further reinforcements.
There have always been names floating around, though little of it has been concrete. Arancha Rodríguez, journalist and Real Madrid TV commentator, cleared the fog today by revealing a long list of targets that club director Ana Rosell will pursue:
- Nahikari García (CF, Real Sociedad)
- Esther González (CF, Levante)
- Eva Navarro (AM/CF, Levante)
- A veteran goalkeeper
- Irene Paredes (CB, PSG)
- Berta Pujadas (CB, Valencia)
- Celia Jiménez (RB/RWB, Lyon)
- Kheira Hamraoui (DM, Barcelona)
- Rosa Márquez (AM, Real Betis)
- Angela Sosa (AM/CF, Real Betis)
These are impressive names and represent the best of Spain and Europe. Some of those listed aren’t too much of a surprise, such as Nahikari García, who has named Raúl as her footballing inspiration.
Others, such as Kheira Hamraoui, definitely come as more of a shock.
The timing of this announcement is very interesting (puts on conspiracy theory glasses), given that it directly follows Kosovare Asllani’s hat-trick, which directly follows buzz about Real Madrid wishing to offload her.
That is pure speculation and any possible desire to redirect Madridistas’ focus doesn’t change the fact that Real Madrid’s interest in the above players is likely tangible.