Real Madrid News
Real Madrid turn to 18-year-old Croatian prospect in search of defensive reinforcements
Real Madrid ended 2025 with negative feelings, mainly after losing the defensive solidity that characterised the start of the Xabi Alonso era.
Injuries have played a major role, with both right-backs, Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold, ruled out until next year, while the rest of the defensive line has also been affected by muscular issues.
The delicate physical conditions and uncertain futures of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger, together with the doubts raised by Dean Huijsen in recent weeks, have led the club to consider signing a centre-back as a necessity.
Branimir Mlacic on Real Madrid’s radar
Now, according to reports in Italy, as relayed by Defensa Central, Hajduk Split teenager Branimir Mlacic has emerged as a possible target for Real Madrid.
Mlacic is only 18 years old but stands out for his extraordinary physical presence, with a height of 1.92 metres and enormous potential ahead of him.
Despite his young age, the young defender has made senior appearances for the Croatian outfit, even registering two assists. He has also broken into the Croatian U-21 national team after featuring twice for U-19 side.
Given his promise and potential, Real Madrid are tracking the Croatian prospect, but face stiff competition as teams like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the player. Atletico Madrid are also expected to join the race.
Mlacic’s profile fits with what Real Madrid are looking for and can be a long-term solution for the club. However, he signed a long-term contract with Hajduk Split last month, committing to the Croatian outfit until 2029.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are tracking several other options to reinforce their defence, with Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck among the targets.
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.
