Real Madrid is still working on the squad planning to strengthen defense. However, negotiations to sign a new center-back have become complicated. President Florentino Pérez appears to be cautious about the demands of coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Challenge of Signing a Defender
Real Madrid is in a difficult situation in terms of transfers. Injuries to their defenders have forced them to look for new transfers.
Despite their efforts, they have not found a defender who meets the three key conditions: adaptation, price and age. Many names have come to light, but the viable options have been significantly reduced.
The Aymeric Laporte Case
One of the players who has been most talked about to reinforce defense is Aymeric Laporte. The center-back, who plays for Al Nassr, meets Real Madrid's requirements: experience, quality and easy adaptation to La Liga.
However, the main obstacle is that his club is not willing to facilitate his departure, which has made his transfer more difficult. This leaves Florentino Pérez and his team with few options in the winter transfer market.
The Alternative: Domestic Players
If the transfer of Laporte or another center-back fails, Real Madrid may be forced to rely on players from the current squad. Carlo Ancelotti would have to decide whether to convert players such as Aurélien Tchouaméni or Eduardo Camavinga into center-backs. Both players have played in that position on a few occasions but they are not specialists in central defense, which could represent a risk.
Another option would be to give youth squad players Raúl Asencio or Jacobo Ramón a chance. Both youngsters have shown potential in the youth ranks of the club, but their first-team experience is limited. This could be a risky bet, but it is not ruled out as an option if the search for transfers stalls.
Florentino Pérez's Position
According to various sources, Florentino Pérez seems to be taking a very cautious stance regarding the transfer of a center-back. Although Ancelotti has requested reinforcements for defense, the president doesn't seem willing to make a transfer that doesn't meet all the club's requirements.
This caution on Pérez's side could delay the process and force Ancelotti to work with the resources available until the end of the season.