Real Madrid News
Club veteran’s return holds the key to Real Madrid’s January transfer plans – report
David Alaba’s potential return to group training by December has become a focal point for Real Madrid’s defensive plans, according to The Athletic.
This is because if Alaba’s recovery does not proceed as hoped, it could push the club to take action during the January transfer window by signing a new centre-back.
Real Madrid’s need to reinforce their defence has been evident for some time, especially after injuries disrupted their plans last season. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has consistently highlighted the importance of adding depth to the defensive line.
However, the club’s approach to transfer decisions has often not aligned with Ancelotti’s recommendations.
This was particularly clear last season when serious injuries to Eder Militao and Alaba occurred, yet no reinforcements were brought in during either the January or summer transfer windows.
Despite their attempts to secure Leny Yoro as a defensive option, the deal failed to materialise, and no alternative centre-back was seriously pursued.
Ancelotti has maintained that the squad requires, at a minimum, one centre-back and a right-back to strengthen their options. However, Alaba’s progress in recovery could influence these plans significantly.
Everything depends on Alaba
The timeline for Alaba’s return has been a topic of ongoing discussion, with reports suggesting that he might be ready to play at the start of January.
If this schedule holds true, it could provide much-needed stability in Real Madrid’s defence and reduce the urgency to enter the winter transfer market.
His availability would bolster the defensive setup, alongside Antonio Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Raul Acensio, offering Carlo Ancelotti a variety of reliable options to manage the backline.
While the club remains cautious in finalising their transfer strategy, much will depend on Alaba’s fitness and ability to reintegrate into the team.
Should he return as expected, it could alleviate the immediate pressure to sign a new centre-back and allow the club to reassess their priorities for the rest of the season.
Bernardo Silva was one of Real Madrid’s headline signings last summer. The Portuguese midfielder arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City and appeared destined to become the creative successor to Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the middle of the park.
Indeed, with the club having not signed a new central midfielder, many within Real Madrid saw the veteran star as a solution to the issue.
Manager Jose Mourinho made him a starter from the very beginning in pre-season, but not in his usual role on the right. Instead, he deployed his compatriot as a deep-lying playmaker in the midfield double pivot.
A change in circumstances
Silva failed to have the expected influence when operating in a deeper role in midfield in the chances he got.
Combined with the emergence of Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return to fitness, the Portuguese international has now lost his place in the starting line-up and dropped to the bench.
Bernardo’s situation became particularly striking against Villarreal this past Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu, when he did not play a single minute.
Limited opportunities under Mourinho
Bernardo has played six matches for Real Madrid, starting three and coming on as a substitute in another three.
He did not feature against Villarreal or Elche, while his only appearance in the last three matches was a little over 10 minutes against Atletico Madrid. He was not used regularly by the Portugal national team during the international break either.
Across Real Madrid’s eight La Liga fixtures, Silva has accumulated just 282 minutes of playing time.
The Champions League now presents another opportunity for the former Manchester City captain, who has yet to make his European debut for Real Madrid this season.
He missed the match against Inter Milan because he was still serving a suspension carried over from his time at the Etihad Stadium last season.
It remains to be seen whether Mourinho will give him an opportunity against AS Roma in the coming week.
For now, the midfielder’s reduced playing time suggests that the Portuguese coach has lost some of his faith in a player who arrived with high expectations after leaving Manchester City.
