Great challenges often call for old friends, and Real Madrid appear to be opting towards the same strategy in light of their defensive crisis.
With David Alaba joining Eder Militao on the sidelines with an ACL tear, Carlo Ancelotti is not left with many options in defence after all.
The Merengues manager only has two natural centre-back options at his disposal ahead of Real Madrid’s clash against Deportivo Alaves, and the situation will not improve for a few months at least. Needless to say, a new signing is the need of the hour.
A familiar face
According to reports from Christian Falk, Real Madrid are considering the return of Raphael Varane from Manchester United as a possible solution to their defensive problems.
After all, the player is no stranger to the white colours having played and starred for the club for close to eight seasons.
The Frenchman has not enjoyed the best of starts to the new season with Manchester United, starting just five of the team’s 17 games in the Premier League.
Erik Ten Hag has shown a preference for the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and even Jonny Evans over the UCL winner, throwing his future at the club into jeopardy.
Varane’s current contract with Manchester United runs until June 2025, and it remains to be seen how that factors into a potential winter transfer.
The list of options
Despite Real Madrid’s public stance of not signing any players in January, the coaching staff are convinced that a new defender will arrive, as revealed earlier this week.
Raphael Varance, needless to say, is not the only player being considered.
Los Blancos eyed Rafa Marin’s potential return from Alaves as an option, but it has now come to light that they do not have a recall clause on the loanee.
Leny Yoro, Goncalo Inacio, and Antonio Silva are some of the other players linked, although nothing concrete has developed on any front.