Real Madrid News
Real Madrid scouring the market for promising young centre-backs – two targets identified
Real Madrid are scouring the transfer market for a promising young centre-back for the next summer transfer window, reports AS.
In fact, the Merengues have identified two possible targets already in the form of Palmeiras’ Vitor Reis (18) and Valencia youngster Yarek Gasiorowski (19).
The current situation
Real Madrid entered the 2024-25 season with a noticeably thin roster in the centre-back position. The team currently rely on two starting defenders, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger, who are expected to play most matches when healthy.
Another key player, David Alaba, is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury and will not return until at least November.
There is also a fourth centre-back on the squad in Jesus Vallejo, but he does not feature in Ancelotti’s plans and his appearances are likely to be minimal.
Real Madrid attempted to strengthen this position last summer with Leny Yoro, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Finding no suitable alternatives, they decided to wait, knowing that some players, particularly Aurelien Tchouameni and Dani Carvajal, could cover the position if needed.
The youth academy was also seen as a potential source of talent. Young Joan Martinez impressed during the pre-season but suffered an ACL injury, delaying his breakthrough.
Jacobo Ramon from Castilla has been registered with the first team, but a muscle injury has kept him off the team sheets. Raul Asencio is also available but is expected to remain with Castilla unless urgently needed.
Plans for a new CB
Real Madrid have decided to proceed with their current squad while monitoring the transfer market. Names of established and even veteran centre-backs like Aymeric Laporte and Mats Hummels surfaced, but the club did not pursue them.
The Spanish champions’ strategy aligns with recent signings like Endrick, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Arda Guler – young players with high potential who can contribute immediately in secondary roles and develop within the club to eventually become starters.
As mentioned earlier, two names have emerged as potential targets: Vitor Reis and Yarek Gasiriowski.
Reis is an 18-year-old centre-back from Palmeiras, considered the most promising defender in South America. The 18-year-old has expressed his desire to move to Europe soon but has a contract until 2028 with a €100 million release clause.
Meanwhile, Yarek Gasiorowski is a 19-year-old left-footed defender, capable of playing as a left-back, with some experience and impressive physical attributes. He has a release clause of €45 million, which could serve as a starting point for negotiations.
With Rudiger at 31, Militao at 26, and Alaba at 32, Real Madrid aim to reinforce their defence with a young player who can gradually develop alongside the best.
Even though Real Madrid have strengthened their defensive line significantly over the past two summers, they are still looking for more reinforcements.
Jose Mourinho was already pushing for another centre-back signing this past summer despite signing Ibrahima Konate. But Raul Asencio’s refusal to leave meant that there was no other addition made.
However, heading into 2027, Los Blancos intend to sign another centre-back, given that Antonio Rudiger’s contract expires at the end of the season and is unlikely to be renewed.
Moreover, Eder Militao’s continued fitness issues are also a cause of concern, prompting the Merengues to explore the possibility of bringing in another centre-half.
And, as already reported, Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen has emerged as an option for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid regularly scouting Quansah
Building on that, journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany reports that Real Madrid have been regularly scouting Quansah this season.
It goes to further underline that the Spanish capital side seem to hold a genuine interest in the 23-year-old England international, who can play both at centre-back and right-back.
Quansah has become a permanent fixture in the defensive line at Leverkusen since his move to the Bundesliga from Liverpool in 2025.
The young defender was also a part of the England national team that finished third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and has nine caps for the Three Lions.
Stiff competition for Quansah
However, as per the report, Real Madrid are not the only club showing an interest in Quansah.
Indeed, Premier League champions Arsenal and fellow London club Chelsea are also closely monitoring the 23-year-old England international at Leverkusen.
Moreover, Quansah’s boyhood club, Liverpool, are also keeping a close eye on his development. After all, the Reds have a buyback clause worth €70 million for their academy product, which is valid until 15 June 2027.
A promising, young defender with plenty of potential and room for development, Quansah can be an exciting long-term addition for Real Madrid.
However, as per reports, some within the club hierarchy believe that the team could do with more experienced options to bolster the backline. So, it remains to be seen how things progress and whether the interest in Quansah develops into an offer.
