Real Madrid has had a central problem this season. Injuries in defense, especially in the back line, have made the season very difficult and complicated Carlo Ancelotti’s lineups. The problem in the defensive line, due to both injuries and poor performance, has been key to the poor results of the white team in a season that has ended without titles and with the departure of the Italian coach.
In central defense, Eder Militao was lost at the start of the season, while David Alaba was still recovering from last season’s injury and Rüdiger was suffering from excruciating knee pain that affected his performance. With this scenario, Ancelotti opted for Tchouaméni to partner the German, a choice that did not work out well. Finally, the Italian decided to give Asencio a chance, and that proved to be the key, given the youngster’s great performance.
The arrival of Huijsen, key
Given the problems that the team has been facing throughout the season, Real Madrid has wanted to make quick decisions to avoid further problems during the Club World Cup and also with an eye on next season, when they want to fight for titles again. Thus, last weekend, the team made official the arrival of Dean Huijsen.
The Spanish center back will arrive at the Santiago Bernabéu on June 1, looking to rejuvenate and improve the quality of Real Madrid’s defense. The young player, who stands at 6’5″, stands out for his solidity at the back and his offensive play. He has won over the Concha Espina offices, which is why they decided to pay the nearly $60 million release clause.
The player most affected by his arrival looks set to be David Alaba. The Austrian has had another season marred by injuries and a clear drop in performance in the games he has played. With Huijsen in the equation, the player would become the fifth center back, if no one else is signed, and given his age and the fact that he only has one year left on his contract, Real Madrid has considered selling him this summer. However, the player has other plans.
Alaba wants one last chance
David Alaba has already told those close to him that he wants to stay at Real Madrid and fulfill his contract, according to OK Diario. The player wants one last chance under Xabi Alonso, who will ultimately have the final say on whether the player stays or goes.
According to the aforementioned source, “the center back insists that his main objective is to fulfill his responsibilities until next year. In his mind, there is only the Merengue jersey; he is not considering any other options.” Real Madrid’s opinion could be different, as his injuries and poor performance have meant that he has played just over 600 minutes this season.
This is a small amount of playing time that comes at a high price given the 33-year-old center back’s high salary. Alaba has a gross annual salary of around €22.5 million, which is why the club is considering a sale to free up salary space.