Real Madrid is determined to strengthen its defense next season, and it seems that Florentino Pérez has already decided who will be chosen to reinforce a position that has been competitive in recent seasons with injuries to Militao and Alaba and the departure of Nacho from the team. The chosen one is William Saliba.
Problems in Real Madrid’s defense
One of the main problems Real Madrid has had over the last two seasons, especially this one, has been the lack of players in defense. Last season, injuries to Militao and Alaba, who were regular starters in Ancelotti‘s lineup at the time, left the team with only two players, Rudiger (already established) and Nacho, who did not perform at the level he had shown in previous seasons. Carvajal and, above all, Tchouaméni had to play center back in many games throughout the season.
During the summer of 2024, Nacho left the team, and the club relied on the recovery of the two center backs. Along with Vallejo (and Rudiger, obviously), they hoped that this year would not be a repeat of the previous one. But things did not go as expected: Militao tore the ligament in his other knee, Alaba has not played since February (and is still far from his best), Carvajal has also been out all year, and Tchouaméni has not performed as expected at the back. Vallejo has been as if he were not even a member of the squad. The emergence of Raúl Asencio has saved Ancelotti’s skin, but the team’s collapse has damaged Real Madrid’s chances, particularly in midfield.
Real Madrid does not want to repeat last year’s mistakes. There is still confidence that Militao, who is still relatively young, will regain the form he seemed to be showing last season. Alaba is also expected to find his rhythm for next season, but this year there will be a fifth center back to provide breathing space and prevent any unforeseen circumstances during the season.
Real Madrid’s options
Real Madrid has several options for the center back position. The one that has gained the most traction among fans and the media is Dean Huijsen. The young center back, born in the Netherlands, with Spanish nationality and raised in our country, has dazzled in 2025. He has just turned 20, is 6’5”, and his aerial play, speed, ball control, and tight marking have left no one indifferent. Despite interest from the big Premier League clubs, he wants to wear white, but Real Madrid does not want to risk paying around $60 million for a young player. They want someone more proven, considering that the club’s option for the future is Raúl Asencio.
Another name that is being mentioned a lot is Jonathan Tah. The Bayer Leverkusen center back’s contract expires at the end of the season and he has already announced his departure from the German club. He is considered one of the best center backs in the Bundesliga. His 6’5” height makes him powerful in the air and his good one-on-one marking makes him ideal for a team that plays with space. The arrival of Xabi Alonso could benefit him, but his 29 years make Florentino Pérez hesitate.
William Saliba, Florentino’s favorite option
William Saliba is the option that most convinces Florentino Pérez. At 24 years old, he is more than established playing at the highest level at Arsenal. His height, 6’3”, also makes him a great player in the air. He is fast and knows how to play the ball out from the back. Furthermore, of the three options, he is the one with the most experience playing at the highest level, both in the Premier League and in the Champions League.
The Real Madrid president believes that he could fit in perfectly with the squad, as well as playing alongside several French teammates, which would make the player’s adaptation easier. He is one of the best options on the market and everything indicates that he could be a Real Madrid player in the coming years.