Real Madrid had no plans to strengthen its defense this summer, but the emergence of two names has called the script into question. Dean Huijsen and Mario Gila are two of the young central defenders who are attracting the most attention in Europe and who have begun to catch the eye of the club’s sporting management. Although the initial idea was not to look for a central defender on the market, the situation could change and this could force them to guarantee the future of the back line.
Mario Gila, a present and future option for Real Madrid
Mario Gila is a footballer who knows the white house very well, as he trained in the youth teams of Real Madrid and the Catalan centre back has grown exponentially since his departure from Lazio in 2022. His ability to play as a centre back and right back, plus his top speed of 37 kilometres per hour, makes him a very interesting option for the team coached by Carlo Ancelotti.
At 24 years of age, Gila has managed to establish himself in Serie A and has been called up to the Spanish national team, although he has not yet made his official debut with the national team; his progress as a footballer has attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs as well as big clubs in Italy such as Inter and Juventus. However, Real Madrid has a strategic advantage: it has a 50% share in a future sale and certain clauses that could facilitate his return.
The Chamartín club has been closely following his progress and although in the winter they did not go for him when the defense was weakened by important losses, the possibility of his return is a very real option for next season. The matches played in Serie A with Salernitana, in addition to his knowledge of the Madrid club’s style of play, make Gila a very attractive option to reinforce the defensive zone.
Real Madrid keep a close eye on Huijsen
Another name that has burst onto Real Madrid’s agenda is Dean Huijsen. The young Dutch centre back, who grew up in Spain, impressed in the Nations League with the Spanish national team in the play-off against the Netherlands. His defensive ability, mastery of the air and ability to get the ball out of the back make him a very attractive prospect on the European market.
Huijsen, who is 1.97 meters tall, has played for Juventus, Roma and Bournemouth, where he has established his reputation as one of the most promising young defenders. In fact, Real Madrid already had his name on their agenda when he decided to leave Málaga, but at that moment he opted for the Italian club to continue his training. At the moment, moreover, with his market value constantly on the rise and his recent international breakthrough, it may be time for him to arrive at the Chamartín stadium.
Will Real Madrid change their stance?
Although the club’s sporting directors have stated that they will not be looking to strengthen the defense this summer, the situation may change. The recovery of Militao and Alaba, the good performance of Rüdiger and the step forward of Raúl Asencio seem to guarantee the stability of the defense. However, a plague of injuries in recent years, to which must be added a need to rejuvenate the defensive line, could lead the club to consider its needs in a different way.