Real Madrid wants to strengthen its defense next season, as it does not seem to want to go through a third consecutive year with problems at the back. It is true that the problems suffered were due to serious injuries, and it is hoped that this will not happen again, but this is soccer, and the club’s management does not want a lack of foresight to affect the squad again, as has happened this season. There are many names on Real Madrid’s agenda, but there is one that is the favorite of Florentino Pérez and the board: Saliba.
Saliba, a proven young talent
To tell the story of William Saliba is to tell the story of one of the most precocious players in the history of soccer. At 24, he has been in the elite for eight years. At just 16 years old, he made his debut and established himself at Saint-Étienne. At that time, Real Madrid had already set their sights on the young talent, but did not want to take the risk of signing someone with so little experience. And if there is one team in the world that is willing to take a risk on such precocious talent, it is Arsenal, who signed him in the summer of 2020. After several loan spells, he established himself in the London team two years later, becoming one of the best center backs around.
Saliba is 6’3 and has tremendous power, which has made him one of the best defenders today. He is good in the air, strong in the tackle, and good with the ball out of the back. He is a modern center back with superlative qualities.
Real Madrid intensifies contacts
According to the French newspaper L’Équipe, Real Madrid is intensifying contacts to secure the services of the French footballer. In addition to the characteristics mentioned above, the club’s management believes that he would fit in very well with the squad, as he would be sharing a dressing room with his French international teammates. On the other hand, although the player has not made any public statements—which is understandable given Arsenal’s current situation, where they are fighting for a place in the Champions League final against PSG—those close to him confirm that he is excited about the idea of wearing the white shirt.
However, his signing would not be easy, especially given the figures being bandied about by the French media. Arsenal would not be willing to let one of their most valuable players leave without a substantial offer, with a price tag of around $100 million being mentioned. The player has a contract until 2027 and the English club is already considering offering him a renewal. But in a football world where the rules of transfers have changed, and where players see out their contracts—which allows them to collect a signing bonus, saving the new club the transfer fee—this opens up the possibility that the English club may be open to negotiation.
A defense in need of rejuvenation
Real Madrid has four center backs for next season: Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba, and Miliato. Asencio is the youngest at 22, followed by Militao at 27, who has suffered serious knee injuries. Alaba, who is also coming off a serious injury, and Rudiger, who is currently out with a meniscus injury, are both 32. If Real Madrid manages to get its players out of the infirmary with all guarantees, we would be talking about a great defense, but the precedents do not invite optimism, and Real Madrid cannot condition another season on its players being healthy. It is necessary to have depth, and the arrival of William Saliba would not only mean having more alternatives, but also the signing of a player who could remain at Real Madrid for a decade.