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A spate of injuries have left Real Madrid exposed in the defensive department with the lack of depth becoming a major cause for concern.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has been angling for new signings in the upcoming January transfer window, but the Merengues’ administration was not on board with the idea.
In fact, club president Florentino Perez was said to be unconvinced about plans to make new signings in January.
Plans change
However, now, according to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, despite initial doubts, Real Madrid have decided to venture into the transfer market in January for defensive reinforcements.
The ACL injury to Dani Carvajal and David Alaba’s slow recovery, coupled with the fitness problems faced by Eder Militao as well as young Jacobo Ramon have seemingly convinced the Spanish champions to make a new signing.
As such, following meetings between Ancelotti and the board, it has been decided that reinforcements will be brought in for the defensive unit in the winter.
Real Madrid have not made a January signing since 2019 when they roped in Brahim Diaz from Manchester City, but are now considering dipping their toes in the winter market in 2025.
Three names on the agenda
The report further states that Real Madrid already have identified three possible options to strengthen the centre-back department.
Spanish international Aymeric Laporte, who was linked with the Merengues all through the summer, is again on the agenda with a move for the Al-Nassr defender being considered.
Along with the ex-Manchester City man, Real Madrid are also understood to have RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba and Vitor Reis of Palmeiras on their transfer watchlist.
Both Lukeba (21) and Reis (18) fit into the profile of players that Real Madrid have tried to sign in recent years – young with immense potential and room for development.
However, convincing their respective clubs to part ways with them will be a challenge – more so with Leipzig and Lukeba considering that the Bundesliga club already sold Mohamed Simakan in the summer.
No moves have been made for any of the players yet but after initial apprehensions, it appears likely that Real Madrid will move forward with the signing of a new centre-back come January.
