The 0-4 defeat to Barcelona has left Real Madrid's management pondering the weaknesses in their squad. With a gap of 6 points behind their arch-rivals in La Liga and a poor record in the Champions League, the Santiago de Bernabeu team is facing great pressure to improve their performance.
Although the number of goals is still stable, the most worrying thing is that Real Madrid has conceded more goals than at the same period last season. This disappointment is clearly the problems in the defense, especially in the center-back position. Typically, the heavy defeat in El Clasico, the duo Eder Militao - Antonio Rudiger could not contain Barca's strikers.
Militao and Rudiger are Real's two key central defenders at the moment, while Jesus Vallejo is not in Carlo Ancelotti's plans. Both Carletto and CEO Jose Angel Sanchez agree that Los Blancos need to strengthen their squad in the upcoming winter transfer window. This is one of the few seasons they want to add players in January.
Real Madrid's problems began in the summer of 2024 when they failed to sign Leny Yoro (who has joined MU) and lost potential centre-back Rafa Marin to Napoli. In addition, captain Nacho also left the club, leaving a huge gap in the defence that the "White Vultures" have not yet found a way to fill.
To make matters worse, there have been injuries to some of the academy's potential centre-back options. Joan Martinez suffered a serious knee injury on the summer tour, while Jacobo Ramon has also had a muscle problem. Dani Carvajal, who has been used as a centre-back, has also been out long-term, leaving Lucas Vazquez as the only right-back left.
Apart from Rudiger, Militao is Real Madrid's other top-class centre-back, but he has just returned from an eight-month injury and is still suffering from minor pain from being overloaded. This has made the coaching staff concerned about Militao's ability to maintain his form, while Rudiger is also tired after a period of intense competition.
A temporary replacement is Aurelien Tchouameni, who has played 12 games at centre-back since joining Real Madrid. However, the Frenchman has repeatedly stated that he wants to play in midfield and is currently struggling with a left foot injury. A January signing would be a logical option to resolve the situation.
RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba is a potential name. The 2002-born centre-back has just extended his contract with Leipzig, with a release clause of 90 million Euros. Lukeba joined the German team from Lyon in the summer of 2023 and has impressed with his agile playing style, good one-on-one ability, and skillful ball handling.
Real Madrid are looking for a left-footed centre-back and Lukeba is an attractive option as he is still young enough to continue his development. However, Leipzig are only willing to let him go in the summer, not January, which could make it difficult for the Madrid side to sign him immediately.
Aymeric Laporte has also emerged as a possible option. The EURO 2024 winner has expressed his dissatisfaction with the playing environment in Saudi Arabia and his desire to return to Europe. The Al-Nassr star would bring experience and the ability to cover the left wing. However, Real will face some financial difficulties in this deal. Laporte's current salary is around 24 million Euros/year. To return to La Liga, the Spanish centre-back would need to take a significant pay cut.
In addition, Al Nassr also demanded an amount equivalent to the previous transfer fee if Laporte left. Real could only offer a short-term contract due to club regulations.
Jonathan Tah could also be a target for Real Madrid in the winter. The German centre-back is currently on the books of Bayer Leverkusen and is out of contract in June next year. The 28-year-old would fit Los Blancos' transfer policy as he would be a bargain option as his contract is about to expire.
However, Barcelona are also interested in Tah and could be a more suitable destination for him, especially since Hansi Flick rates the Leverkusen player highly. The Blaugrana also have a good relationship with Tah's agent - Pini Zahavi. This could facilitate the transfer if Real do not act soon.
