Real Madrid News
Real Madrid now open to centre-back signing in January – three names on the list
A spate of injuries have left Real Madrid exposed in the defensive department with the lack of depth becoming a major cause for concern.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has been angling for new signings in the upcoming January transfer window, but the Merengues’ administration was not on board with the idea.
In fact, club president Florentino Perez was said to be unconvinced about plans to make new signings in January.
Plans change
However, now, according to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, despite initial doubts, Real Madrid have decided to venture into the transfer market in January for defensive reinforcements.
The ACL injury to Dani Carvajal and David Alaba’s slow recovery, coupled with the fitness problems faced by Eder Militao as well as young Jacobo Ramon have seemingly convinced the Spanish champions to make a new signing.
As such, following meetings between Ancelotti and the board, it has been decided that reinforcements will be brought in for the defensive unit in the winter.
Real Madrid have not made a January signing since 2019 when they roped in Brahim Diaz from Manchester City, but are now considering dipping their toes in the winter market in 2025.
Three names on the agenda
The report further states that Real Madrid already have identified three possible options to strengthen the centre-back department.
Spanish international Aymeric Laporte, who was linked with the Merengues all through the summer, is again on the agenda with a move for the Al-Nassr defender being considered.
Along with the ex-Manchester City man, Real Madrid are also understood to have RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba and Vitor Reis of Palmeiras on their transfer watchlist.
Both Lukeba (21) and Reis (18) fit into the profile of players that Real Madrid have tried to sign in recent years – young with immense potential and room for development.
However, convincing their respective clubs to part ways with them will be a challenge – more so with Leipzig and Lukeba considering that the Bundesliga club already sold Mohamed Simakan in the summer.
No moves have been made for any of the players yet but after initial apprehensions, it appears likely that Real Madrid will move forward with the signing of a new centre-back come January.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
