Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eyeing two top young talents to reinforce centre-back department
Despite Kylian Mbappe’s intensive links with Real Madrid often taking centre stage, the sporting department continues to identify viable recruitments in all areas of the squad to bolster positions other than the forward line.
Real Madrid’s defence is particularly beginning to require strengthening as the club’s hierarchy deems reinforcements in the back line a priority in the near future.
In light of aging players at the back and the prolonged injury absence of Eder Militao, Real Madrid are scouring the market for young defenders.
Indeed, according to SPORT, the sports management of Real Madrid is debating between two names, Gonçalo Inácio and Giorgio Scalvini.
In the event that Militao does not recover on time, one of their arrivals could be in the offing in the forthcoming winter transfer window.
Real Madrid may shift their focus to Goncalo Inacio again
Gonçalo Inácio was already being pursued by Real Madrid throughout last summer, but Sporting CP managed to extend his contract with the player until 2027, increasing his buyout option to €60 million.
Still, the Portuguese club are open to a transfer, even in the upcoming winter market.
Moreover, Sporting CP would be content to accept €45 million at this time and the remaining €15 after the season, postponing a proportion of the payment.
His possible arrival in January would be sure to aid Real Madrid’s short-term objectives, while they also manage to secure a top defender for the future.
Interest in Scalvini more recent
However, Real Madrid are also looking at Scalvini as an option for the long haul to reinforce their defence.
In addition to playing in 61 official games for Atalanta’s first team, the 19-year-old centre-back has already proven himself worthy of a spot in the Italian national team, for which he has made seven appearances.
The Italian’s contract is valid until 2027, just like Inácio’s, therefore Real Madrid will need to negotiate with Atalanta. His market value is €40 million, and given that Manchester City is also interested in him, that amount might even increase.
Scalvini and Inacio remain two of football’s biggest talents in defence. As such, the Merengues are keen to have either one of them in their ranks.
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
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Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
