Real Madrid’s elimination from the Champions League has been the last straw. The season for the white team is having more shadows than lights, and several players are being singled out to leave the club. Starting with Carlo Ancelotti on the bench and continuing with several renewals that will never materialize.
The bleeding at the back has been a constant this season and almost cost Real Madrid the coveted Copa del Rey final in the match against Real Sociedad, in which the Whites conceded four goals at home. This constant bleeding has left the King of Europe out of the Champions League. Without a doubt, the defense has been the most criticized and questioned aspect of the team throughout the season. Real Madrid had no plans to strengthen its defense this summer, but the results speak for themselves.
Youth wanted
After the great performance shown by Asencio since his arrival in the white team from the youth academy, added to the inconsistency of veterans Rüdiger and Alaba, which has led to speculation about their future, the door is open to the search for reinforcements with the clear objective of rejuvenating the defense for the coming seasons.
In this regard, names with youth as the common denominator have been circulating: Dean Huijsen, 19; Branthwaite, 22; Castello Lukeba, 22; William Saliba, 24; and Ibrahima Konaté, 25, or Jorrel Hato, 20.
A favorite with a high price tag
Dean Huijsen is Real Madrid’s favorite name in this regard. The center back, who has made his mark at Bournemouth, is considered a future option. His aerial play, speed, and good ball control make him an ideal candidate to cover the defense of the white team in the medium and long term. According to sources at Grada3, Real Madrid are clear that they are not willing, initially, to pay more than 40 million euros. The youngster has a release clause at Bournemouth of 60 million euros, but Florentino is clear about what he wants to invest.
An old acquaintance
In recent days, many names have been mentioned as possible targets for Real Madrid to strengthen their squad, the latest being Defensa Central, which points to an old acquaintance for whom the Whites would now have to pay a hefty sum.
We are talking about Mario Gila, currently playing for Lazio, who could be making a big comeback to the club from Italy. The youth player left the club’s reserve team for Italy in 2022. This season he has stood out, as reflected in the numbers: 2,724 minutes in 36 games, where he has even contributed two goals. As is often the case when Real Madrid lets a youth player go, Florentino Pérez has retained 50% of his rights. His release clause is €60 million, so the club could sign him for €30 million in the next summer transfer window.
There are more pressing options on the agenda, but Mario Gila would not be a bad plan B, as he knows the club and how it works very well and could adapt quickly. Real Madrid has a strategic advantage: it has 50% of a future sale and certain clauses that could facilitate his return.
The Chamartín club has closely followed his career and, although it did not go for him in the winter when the defense was weakened by significant losses, the possibility of his return is a very real option for next season.