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After David Alaba’s injury setback, Real Madrid is reportedly undecided about whether to sign a new centre-back during the January transfer window.
During last weekend’s La Liga match against Villarreal, Alaba sustained an ACL injury that ended his season, while Eder Militao is still sidelined due to the same injury he sustained in August.
The only two healthy senior centre backs at the club are Antonio Rudiger and Nacho as Militao won’t be returning until April at the latest.
Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, hinted last week that a new centre back would join the team at Bernabeu when the January transfer window begins.
Talks on adding someone to that part of the field are reportedly ongoing, according to transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano. Rafa Marin, 21, may also be brought up from his loan at Alaves.
“I’ve heard that Real Madrid is still debating whether to bring in a new player in January. Madrid might decide not to stick with the same roster, however it is not a given, Romano stated on his personal YouTube channel.
“It’s possible that they will remember Rafa Marin, but it won’t be simple. Carlo Ancelotti, Florentino Perez, Juni Calafat, the top scout, and other club personnel are all still in internal communication with Real Madrid.
“The original plan was to stay with the same squad, but after Alaba’s injury, they are now internally discussing potential January signing.”
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On Thursday, Aurelien Tchouameni was forced into action as a centre-back when Nacho was sent off in the 54th minute of the team’s defence against Alaves. Nacho had started the game alongside Rudiger in the middle.
“Thouameni is a fantastic centre defender, but he’ll be upset about this. He is fortunate to be able to play both defence and midfield. In his news conference following the game, Ancelotti told reporters, “He has everything it takes to be a top centre-back.”
Real Madrid defeated Alaves 92 minutes from the end thanks to a goal by Lucas Vazquez, which put them one spot ahead of Girona in the La Liga standings.
Although a return to Real Madrid in January has been suggested for Raphael Varane, it is improbable that Manchester United will permit the former France international to depart in the middle of the season.
Goncalo Inacio of Sporting Lisbon and Antonio Silva of Benfica are also rumoured to be highly coveted, but it would be extremely challenging to sign either in the winter market.
Real Madrid will not play again until January 3 at home against Mallorca as they begin their winter break.
