Real Madrid News
Real Madrid internally discussing €70 million-rated defender as their next signing
Real Madrid are pushing for new recruitments across the park at the earliest, and Yan Diomande and Rodri appear set to be their two latest signings.
One position that Jose Mourinho has marked in red that has not yet been addressed, however, is the centre-back department.
Ibrahima Konate is one player who has arrived to add depth in the department, but Los Blancos continue to prioritise a second starting-caliber signing before the new season begins.
Of the many options discussed over the months, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni has resounded as a strong candidate although no official contacts were made.
A set price-point
As reiterated by Diario AS earlier today, Real Madrid could indeed open the operation to sign a new centre-back this summer, and Bastoni continues to be one of the most valued profiles internally.
Inter Milan are open to selling the defender this summer, but are demanding a sizeable fee for his move. Their demand stands at around €70 million – a sum that would appear to be slightly on the higher side for a club like Real Madrid who have already spent big.
Los Blancos are discussing Bastoni as a potential target internally and evaluating if he is the right candidate to pursue this summer. A decision and resultant implications can be expected in the coming days.
A blend of youth and experience
What makes Bastoni a great target for Real Madrid is the combination of youth and experience that the player brings to the table.
At the age of 27, Bastoni still has the best years of his career ahead of him and is currently only entering his prime as a player.
Yet, he is already a certified game-winner who has played in the top leagues, led his side to the league title, and also fought as a regular starter in the UEFA Champions League.
Bastoni’s current contract with Inter Milan runs until the summer of 2028, making it a tricky operation for Real Madrid in terms of the negotiations. If they are to sign him, they will likely have to dish out the full sum that the Italians demand.
Real Madrid’s performance against Real Betis was shambolic, to say the least as the team faced many of the problems that have haunted them over the past couple of years.
But on a night where most of the attackers struggled to create anything of note, Dean Huijsen emerged as a lone bright spark for Los Blancos.
Huijsen keeps his promise
As reported by MARCA, Huijsen was the standout performer for Real Madrid, marshalling the backline with real authority even as the team struggled around him.
There has been a noticeable shift in the young defender’s mentality this season, with the player showing more competitive nature and looking much fiercer.
This is an attitude Huijsen had always promised, having inherited the iconic number four shift from David Alaba, a number he associates with his idols Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro.
“What I do know is that I’ll give everything of myself every day, whether in training or in a game,” he vowed, and at La Cartuja he delivered on that word.
His primary task was neutralising Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, and he did so superbly, drying up the Colombian’s supply and repeatedly anticipating danger.
He also held his own in a niggly battle with Antony, refusing to be ruffled by one of Betis’ most inspired performers.
His composure on the ball, one of the qualities that has elevated him, saw him venture forward, forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper in the 11th minute and later heading against the woodwork.
The Konate partnership grows
Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate did his job, albeit without matching his partner’s brilliance.
The Frenchman was a little less assured, both in and out of possession, reflecting the two speeds of the centre-back pairing.
Huijsen looks settled and increasingly commanding, while Konate is still building the sharpness needed to reach his best in white.
Nonetheless, the partnership is heading in the right direction, and in Huijsen, Real Madrid appear to have unearthed a genuine leader for an area that has long been a weakness.
Each performance is also an argument to Luis de la Fuente, as the defender looks to reclaim the Spain spot he lost before the World Cup.
