Real Madrid are looking for alternatives in defense for next season. The injuries suffered and the age of some of the club’s defenders is forcing the board to take action and look for replacements to reinforce one of the areas that has generated the most controversy this season.
A necessity for Real Madrid
The problems in the Real Madrid defense this season, and last, have been more than evident. The two Militao injuries, the one suffered by Alaba last season (he still hasn’t found his best form since his return), and the Carvajal injury this year, have left the Whites very much depleted at the back. If we add to this the fact that Lucas Vázquez‘s performance has dropped this season, Fran García hasn’t quite convinced on the left, and the departure of Nacho last summer, the outlook for next season is bleak.
The only positive thing that Real Madrid has taken from these defensive problems has been the emergence of Raúl Asencio. The Canarian centre-back has established himself in the centre of defence alongside Rudiger, an important “signing” for a team in need of players from the youth academy, and with him they have a player for the coming years, and one of guaranteed quality.
On the way out
Given the aforementioned circumstances, there are several defenders who could leave the team next season. Lucas Vázquez’s contract expires, his season has been well below expectations, and the recovery of Carvajal and the arrival of Alexander-Arnold (should be confirmed sooner rather than later) leave the Galician without a place in the team.
On the other hand, Alaba is looking for a team: his serious injury is not allowing him to return to his optimum form, his age is working against him and the high salary he receives does not help either. He wants to stay and is holding on to his contract, but we will see how the situation is resolved.
The case of Fran García is more complicated because there is nothing on the market that currently tempts Real Madrid, but the player, after two seasons in white, has not completely convinced the board and a destination is being sought.
The defense for next season
After the arrival of Alexander-Arnold, and the recovery of Carvajal and Militao, Real Madrid would need a fourth central defender to avoid the shortcomings that have plagued Real Madrid in the last two seasons. One of the options being considered at Valdebebas is Jonathan Tah. As Grada3 has learned, the German footballer from Bayer Leverkusen is free next season and has been offered to Real Madrid. There was talk of Barcelona, but the Blaugranas are finding it difficult to sign players at the moment and the player is getting impatient. It is an option that would gain a lot of ground if Xabi Alonso arrived next season.
Another option being considered by Real Madrid is Dean Huijsen. The young footballer is very popular at the club and he would like to sign, he likes a challenge and he has already publicly shown his admiration for the team at the Chamartín stadium. However, Real Madrid are not willing to pay 50 million for him. They think it is an exorbitant price, especially as they have the option of signing players at zero cost, so the chances of seeing him in white are fading.
Real Madrid has work to do for next season. The defense needs a facelift, young people with a future who will give the team the stability it has lacked in recent years. There will be players leaving and others arriving, but we will see if Florentino Pérez is capable of making the clean sweep he is hoping for next season.