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Florentino Solves Key Problem while Ancelotti Expects His Gift from the Three Kings

Real Madrid's crisis cabinet decides on the transfer of a central defender

Real Madrid will not make any random transfers in the winter market to cover the absences of Carvajal and Militão.

Florentino Pérez, José Ángel Sánchez, Carlo Ancelotti and Juni Calafat form the crisis cabinet. They have evaluated all the possibilities to strengthen the team in the winter market.

Two men sitting on steps with serious expressions.
Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez have already made a decision on the center-back position. | MB

The final agreement was adopted unanimously. The emergence of Raúl Asencio and the imminent return of David Alaba have paralyzed all negotiations.

Alexander-Arnold and Davies Will Not Bring Forward Their Arrival

The Whites had considered bringing forward Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich. Both will arrive on free transfers on 1 July. But Real Madrid considered bringing forward their arrivals by paying their clubs some modest sums.

Real Madrid will end the season with Rüdiger, Asencio and Alaba as center-backs, plus the support of Tchouaméni. The Frenchman enjoys Ancelotti's full trust, as was shown in Girona last matchday.

Football players from Liverpool and Real Madrid compete for the ball during a UEFA Champions League match.
Asencio has surprised everyone with his self-condience | Getty Images

The technical department hasn't found a center-back who offers the same guarantees as the players who are already in the white squad. They need someone who can compete with Militão when he returns to action after overcoming his injury.

Asencio has passed the tough tests at Anfield and San Mamés with honors. Ancelotti sees him capable of assuming the responsibility of leading Real Madrid's defense in the future.

Real Madrid has been searching the market for a young, contrasting center-back with immediate performance, like Leny Yoro, who was the main target last summer. They haven't found him, however.

Two soccer players compete intensely for the ball on the field.
Ancelotti liked Leny Yoro, but he preferred Manchester United | Getty Images

The Kings' Day Gift Ancelotti is Waiting for

In addition, Ancelotti has Alaba for the month of January. Therefore, the central position can be covered with the high level of quality that the Austrian defender can provide.

Real Madrid soccer player celebrating on the field with a smile and arms raised.
Ancelotti hopes for David Alaba's imminent return | Getty Images

There was speculation that Alaba might not be able to return after his serious knee injury. But Alaba's progress has been evident in recent weeks and he is expected to return fully recovered from his injury.

Ancelotti hopes that Alaba will be his gift from the Three Kings. He wants him to be in condition to play the Spanish Super Cup at full capacity. Real Madrid will play the semi-finals against Mallorca on January 9 and the finals on the 12th if they beat the Balearic team.