With veteran defender Dani Carvajal undergoing surgery last month on what is a long-term knee injury, Real Madrid were dealt yet another major injury blow prior to November’s international break.
Watching fellow defensive talisman Eder Militao sustain a season-ending ACL injury during Los Blacos’ 4-0 victory against Osasuna last weekend, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have continued to show a string of issues at the back.
Signing off October with an infamous 4-0 drumming against arch-rivals Barcelona, the Spanish giants have remarkably recorded just a pair of clean sheets from any of their last 11 appearances across all competitions.
While Ancelotti’s side might have welcomed French icon Kylian Mbappe to the Bernabeu over the summer in what was an earth-shattering free transfer, it is no secret that Madrid have a new central defender at the top of their wishlist.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, we have taken a look at three of the defensive superstars who have been billed as Militao’s replacement.
Cristian Romero – Tottenham
While Cristian Romero might have cemented his spot as a real fan favourite around the white half of north London since arriving in the summer of 2021, it appears Tottenham could have a real battle on their hands to keep hold of the Argentina international.
Although the former Atalanta defender might have reportedly knocked back Real Madrid’s initial approaches over the past couple of years, Los Blancos are looking to make another run at the World Cup winner.
With it reported over the past week that Ancelotti is a huge admirer of Romero and has identified him as Miltao’s dream replacement, CaughtOffside suggested over the weekend that the 26-year-old could be keen on a move to the Spanish capital.
Watching Spurs slump to a 2-1 loss at home against Ipswich last weekend and with just their goal difference keeping them in the top-half of the Premier League table, Tottenham have once again shown their own respective defensive issues this season.
Although Romero’s current deal in the white half of north London might run until the summer of 2027, both parties have failed to agree on new terms and Real Madrid are reportedly smelling the chance to lure the 39-cap international to the Bernabeu.
Jonathan Tah – Bayer Leverkusen
Leading Bayer Leverkusen to a maiden Bundesliga crown last season and watching Xabi Alonso’s side break a string of domestic records, Jonathan Tah has quickly blossomed into one of Europe’s hottest defensive commodities.
However, despite writing himself into the Leverkusen history books last season, the Germany international made it abundantly clear that he was desperate to complete a summer move to bitter domestic rivals Bayern Munich.
While that move to the Allianz might have eventually fallen through and Tah has put those issues behind him, it has still be suggested that the one-time Hamburg youngster still has his sights set on a move away from the BayArena.
With Tah’s current deal set to expire next summer, AS reported last weekend that Los Blancos have been put on red alert and the reigning European champions have identified the 28-year-old as both a cheap and reliable option to replace Militao.
With Leverkusen having just one final chance to cash in on their skipper when the January transfer window opens up, Tah could prove to be the most likely option to come through the doors in Madrid.
Aymeric Laporte – Al-Nassr
Watching Aymeric Laporte complete a stunning move to the Saudi Pro League last summer in a deal worth £23.6million, many were critical of the former Manchester City defender and his decision to head over to the Middle East.
However, while the Spanish defender might have been accused of cashing in his chips, the ex-Atletico Bilbao youngster has continued to excel with Saudi giants Al-Nassr.
Despite spending only a year playing alongside former Real Madrid superstar and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, AS are reporting that Los Blancos are keen on brining the 30-year-old back to Europe’s elite.
Still a key part of Spain’s international squad and helping La Roja claim a fourth European crown last year, AS’s report suggests that they believe Laporte would be the “best fit”, given his experience and proven quality.
With it reported that Al-Nassr have made it clear that they would not be willing to take a cut-price deal for the Champions League winner, the Madrid hierarchy will have their resolve tested when they January transfer window officially opens up.
