After being struck down by a plethora of injury problems, Real Madrid seem to have finally decided to go into the market to reinforce their roster in January.
The centre-back department has been the worst hit with two starters, Eder Militao and David Alaba, ruled out with ACL injuries.
It has left Carlo Ancelotti with just two senior centre-backs at his disposal, in the form of Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez, with the latter now set to potentially serve a two-match ban after being sent off against Alaves last night.
Real Madrid had been discussing the possibility of signing a new defender ever since Alaba’s injury last week but without a consensus. However, that appears to have changed in recent hours.
Real Madrid want a new defender on loan with buy option
Indeed, as per a report from SER Deportivos, despite their initial reluctance, Real Madrid have now decided to sign a new centre-back in the January transfer window.
The decision was made after a meeting between the sports leadership at the club during which the current situation in the centre-back department was analysed.
In fact, the Merengues’ sporting department is already combing the market to identify possible targets and swiftly act to reinforce the centre-back position in the winter.
The report further states that Real Madrid would prefer to sign a young defender with potential, possibly on a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season.
While it necessarily does not mean that Real Madrid will certainly sign someone, the stance has changed and the club is now open to the idea of fortifying the defensive department.
What are the options?
Previously, there had been talk of Real Madrid considering the possibility of re-signing Raphael Varane from Manchester United.
But, if the club’s preference is to sign someone young on loan with a buy option, the Frenchman’s name would be ruled out.
Other talents like Goncalo Inacio, Antonio Silva, and Giorgio Scalvini have been linked and it now remains to be seen if any of those players end up at the Santiago Bernabeu next month.