Florentino Pérez is clear that Real Madrid needs a new center-back for the present, but especially for the future. The profile being sought is clear: a strong player with good ball skills and preferably left-footed to occupy that position. After analyzing the market and having it proposed by Ancelotti, the conclusion is that the ideal central defender is Micky Van de Ven from Tottenham.
The obstacle Florentino finds with Micky Van de Ven is clear: his price. Relevo has reported that this is the main obstacle Real Madrid is facing in the search for a new defender. The Dutchman fits everything being sought and is highly regarded for his qualities, but Tottenham is asking for too much money to sell him and they don't want to spend that much.
Micky Van de Ven is not the only name on Real Madrid's list as potential reinforcements for the defense. This information has also pointed to other center-backs like Gvardiol (City) or Lukeba (Leipzig)... but they have the same flaw as the Tottenham defender: they are too expensive and Florentino doesn't want to spend that much.
Neither Micky Van De Ven nor Anyone Else: Florentino Makes a Decision and Communicates It to Ancelotti
Florentino Pérez has been considering it for several weeks, but the decision is already made. Real Madrid has decided not to go to the January market in search of a center-back. The main reason for this is Raúl Asencio, whose emergence in the first team has been welcomed with open arms. He will not return to Castilla, and the plan is to renew his contract in the coming months, making him a part of the 'seniors'.
What Real Madrid intends is to enhance the qualities of an Asencio who has shown he is ready to play in important matches. The plan is to give him rest whenever possible, trying to keep him in the best possible condition for the decisive phase of the season. The academy player fulfillls the requirements perfectly, and another center-back is not needed to take his place.
Florentino Pérez's decision is well thought out, and Alaba's recovery is also key. The Austrian is in the final phase of his injury and is expected to return at the beginning of 2025, being a very key player for the defense. Between the two, the idea is that the defense will be well covered for the remainder of the campaign, also including Rüdiger.
The search will continue for the next season, but what is clear is that the chosen one will not be Micky Van de Ven, despite being highly regarded. Ancelotti is aware of this.