It became clear to Xabi Alonso during the Club World Cup that it is difficult to be competitive with the current defense. Real Madrid has been struggling all season with its defensive line, which has been patched up with signings, but more is needed. That extra something could come in the form of a center back signing in the summer transfer window, but it could also come from within the club with the improvement of several first-team players and the arrival of Joan Martínez, who has high expectations.
A defense with doubts
As we said, defense was already a headache for Carlo Ancelotti, and now Xabi Alonso has seen during the Club World Cup that it can be a problem for the team’s performance. Dean Huijsen has arrived and has earned a starting spot, proving that the investment in his signing was more than necessary. The young center back has been solid in defense and has contributed a lot in bringing the ball out of the back and creating play.
Apart from him, what we have seen in central defense has not been convincing. On the one hand, there is Asencio, who has lost all the confidence he gained during the season with a mediocre performance during the tournament, including three serious mistakes. On the other hand, Rüdiger and Eder Militao are returning from injury and are not yet 100%. The fifth member of this unhappy quartet is Alaba, who seems perpetually injured and whom the club would like to offload. In short, Houston: we have a problem.
Konaté yes… but for next summer
One solution to this problem could be Ibrahima Konaté. He is a fast center back, strong in the air and with great leadership skills. The player seems determined to play for the Whites and the deal is progressing. An agreement for him to arrive on a free transfer next summer when his contract with Liverpool expires. This is the preferred option, as was the case with Mbappé and Trent, since the other option is to leave this summer in a transfer in which the Whites would not want to spend more than $25 million, while the English club is asking for $50 million.
Hincapié and an expense that Real Madrid does not want to make
Aware of the situation with Konaté and the uncertainty of when he will sign, an old acquaintance of Xabi Alonso has reportedly offered himself to Real Madrid. According to Rodra via ESPN, Piero Hincapié, a Bayer Leverkusen player, has been offered to the club. The coach knows the player very well and he would be a great asset to the team as he can also play as a full-back. The problem is that Bayer are also asking for around $50 million and the club does not want to invest that much.
Joan Martínez is ready
The solution could be close to home. In addition to Rüdiger and Eder Militao, who are expected to return to their best form as they get back into the swing of things, Joan Martínez has also returned from injury. The youngster already spent last season’s preseason with Madrid in the United States. However, fate dealt the Valencian a cruel blow and he ended up suffering a serious injury that has kept him out for almost the entire year. The defender will be at Castilla under Arbeloa, but it cannot be ruled out that he may have some involvement with Xabi Alonso in the first team, further displacing Alaba, who is not in the plans for the Whites.