Real Madrid has had a complicated season on the pitch. The reigning La Liga and Champions League champions had their sights set on everything this season and could end up with nothing. The Whites were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Arsenal, highlighting the problems that have plagued them throughout the season. Problems they hope to fix, even though they are in a dire situation, to give it their all for LaLiga against Barça this Sunday in El Clásico.
Real Madrid’s problems
One of the problems to be addressed is a defense that is in tatters at the end of the season. Throughout the season, the Whites have been criticized for their weakness at the back. Their tendency to concede goals has been a constant problem for a team that has been saved by the individual quality of its attack, although that has also seen a drop in performance.
Much of this weakness at the back has been due to poor performances, largely caused by injuries that have forced the team to experiment and juggle the line-up. With Alaba still in the infirmary, the season began with two cruciate ligament injuries that would rule out Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao for the entire season.
It was a sign of things to come. With more than 60 medical reports of all kinds throughout the season, the Whites have been severely depleted. This was exacerbated by the failure to strengthen the defense in the winter transfer window, leaving the back line in tatters at the end of the season.
In addition to the two long-term absences, Rüdiger is currently in the infirmary after months of pain and surgery and will not play again in La Liga; Alaba has a torn meniscus in his left knee and could be out for the World Cup; Mendy who will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured proximal tendon in his right quadriceps. In addition, although he is a midfielder, Camavinga, who has played defensively throughout the season, will also be out for the rest of the season.
Need to strengthen the defense
With this scenario, Real Madrid’s doubts about whether or not to strengthen the defense have been cleared up. A reliable center back is needed, and the Whites have several options on the table. One of them could come from the new coach, Xabi Alonso. It is Jonathan Tah, whose contract with Bayer Leverkusen expires this summer, leaving him a free agent.
Another favorite for months has been Dean Huijsen. The Spanish center back seemed out of the picture due to his asking price of $60 million, but in recent hours, MARCA has reported that the Whites are closing in on the player ahead of the summer.
Two other names that are very popular at the club are Konaté and Saliba. In both cases, Real Madrid’s plan is more long-term, as their cost is high and Florentino’s roadmap includes a plan to wait until their contracts expire so they can sign on a free transfer.
An old dream returns
One of the names that was on the list and had fallen into oblivion is Jorrel Hato. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Whites have been closely following the young player for some time. Like the aforementioned players, he has the problem of tough negotiations as he has a contract until June 2028. The Dutchman is liked for his physical and technical qualities and his youth (he is only 19), as well as his versatility, as he can also play on the left wing.