'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Real Madrid have decided to sign a new defender in 2025, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. However, he added that it's unclear whether they will reinforce their backline in January or next summer.
Los Blancos bid adieu to Nacho Fernandez this summer, with the veteran Spaniard leaving at the end of his contract. The La Liga giants wanted to bring in a replacement and had identified Leny Yoro as their preferred choice.
However, Real Madrid didn't want to match Lille's massive asking price for the player, especially as his contract was due to expire in 2025. They hoped that the player - who apparently wanted to move to the Santiago Bernabeu - would push for a transfer.
However, their tactics backfired, with Manchester United snooping in to ruin their plans. The Red Devils reportedly paid €62 million for the 18-year-old, with an additional €8 million in add-ons.
The 13-time Premier League champions also convinced the Frenchman to move by offering him a lucrative contract, leaving Los Blancos in limbo. The La Liga giants opted not to sign a defender over the summer, and that decision already looks like a risk.
David Alaba is still recovering from the ACL injury picked up last season and isn't expected to come back before the end of the year. The Canadian will turn 33 next summer, while Antonio Rudiger is also on the wrong side of 30.
Real Madrid need a new long-term partner for Eder Militao, with Jesus Vallejo failing to convince the club hierarchy. Recent reports have suggested that they have their eyes on Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis, but there's likely to be a rush for the 18-year-old's services in 2025.
Will Real Madrid sign a new right-back in January?
Dani Carvajal's ACL injury may have jeopardized Real Madrid's plans for 2025. The right-back has been indispensable under Carlo Ancelotti but is now likely to be sidelined for the entire season.
Los Blancos were laying down succession plans for the 32-year-old, but the latest developments could accelerate their efforts. Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires in over six months, is their preferred choice.
The Englishman is yet to sign a new deal with Anfield, so Los Blancos could be tempted to move for the player at the turn of the year. Real Madrid could offer a nominal fee for the 25-year-old in January, and if he continues to stall a new deal, the Reds may be forced to accept the proposal.
