Real Madrid can register upto five new players in January – report

A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has highlighted the possibility of Real Madrid signing up to five players during the January transfer window.

As the winter transfer market opens on January 2, Real Madrid are expected to assess their options for strengthening the squad for the latter half of the season.

Although manager Carlo Ancelotti hinted that the club would carefully evaluate whether it’s necessary to make any January additions, this window provides an opportunity to boost the team’s depth.

Can register upto five new players

One immediate option is signing players currently without a team, as allowed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and FIFA regulations.

However, the main chance for Real Madrid to add new talent will come during the next official transfer window in January 2025, when the club can potentially register up to five players.

The reason Real Madrid can make these additions lies in the available spots within their squad. At present, they have 22 of the 25 La Liga registrations filled, leaving three open spots.

Furthermore, the club holds the right to cancel additional player registrations if needed, effectively freeing up room for more new players.

This flexibility is detailed in the RFEF’s General Regulations, specifically, Article 133, which outlines conditions for cancelling player registrations.

What does the law say?

According to section b, a player’s license can be voided if there is a “total and permanent inability” to participate in training or matches.

Given this rule, Real Madrid has the option to cancel licenses for players like Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao if their injuries prevent them from contributing to the squad this season.

Furthermore, section h of Article 133 allows clubs to deregister a player for squad quota purposes, provided the club follows contract terms. Interestingly, even if deregistered, the same player can rejoin the squad within the same season during official registration periods.

This flexibility provides Real Madrid with options to manage its roster effectively and adjust as needed in pursuit of strengthening the team for the remainder of the season.

With these rules, Real Madrid has a clear path to adding players, making the January transfer window a key period for the club’s ambitions.