Real Madrid's priorities inevitably involve strengthening the defense for the decisive part of the season with the best arguments.
The winter market doesn't offer the possibility of bringing in top-level players to improve the current team.
Ancelotti Asks for Reinforcements for the Defense
Alphonso Davies and Trent Alexander-Arnold—if they don't change their minds and refuse to earn more at their current clubs—are the candidates. However, both, even for free, wouldn't arrive until July 1.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid can only cross fingers and pray that no more injuries occur, especially in the defensive area.
Ancelotti hasn't fully trusted Asencio and prefers Tchouaméni as a central defender. The full-backs are faltering. Although Lucas Vázquez performs well in his offensive tasks, he doesn't fully please Ancelottidefensively.
In the left-back position, Mendy's injuries place Fran García as the starter, although he also doesn't have the Italian coach's blessing.
Three Buybacks on the Horizon
The team needs to strengthen the defense immediately. Ancelotti has already communicated this to Florentino Pérez in the talk they had after Real Madrid-Sevilla. The president has to look out for the best for the team while safeguarding economic health.
Given this situation, three possible reinforcements in Italy appear that Real Madrid is considering very carefully. These are three former Real Madrid players who could return home at an affordable price and with the added experience gained in Italy. Madrid can execute the buyback option signed on them.
Miguel Gutiérrez: the Spanish Alternative
To them, we must add Miguel Gutiérrez, loaned to Girona and who could return to Real Madrid for just 17.5 million euros. However, Gutiérrez is in Manchester United's orbit, which would be willing to pay the 35-million clause, of which 50% would go to Real Madrid.
The club must decide between an income of 17.5 million or the same amount as an expense if they exercise the right of first refusal. Right now, at Bernabéu, they are more inclined to take the money and look to Italy.
1.-Rafa Marín: the Central Defender Ancelotti Needs
After his successful loan to Alavés, Rafa Marín was transferred to Napoli for 12 million euros. But there, Antonio Conte hasn't given him a chance. The player is fed up.
Marín has amply already proven in Vitoria that he is more than capable of succeeding at Real Madrid. He feels he's wasting time and hindering his progress in Napoli.
His position as a central defender would alleviate the white defense's situation while the club waits for David Alaba's return. The Austrian's future performance is a complete mystery. Recovering Rafa Marín would require Real Madrid to pay Napoli 25 million euros.
Real Madrid is willing to propose his loan until the end of the season to solve the problem in the defense core. It's a solution that suits both parties.
2.-Gila's Case is No Joke
Gila is another successful product of La Fábrica, now in his third year at Lazio. Real Madrid doesn't have a purchase option for him, but they do have a right of first refusal in case of a transfer.
He's an undisputed starter in both Serie A and the Champions League. Gila has already reached the status of an established player at the highest level. If Real Madrid wanted to recover him, they would have to negotiate with his club.
His price would be less than 30 million euros, which Real Madrid would try to reduce further with players from the youth academy.
3.-Alex Jiménez: a Proven Reality
Overshadowed by Theo Hernández, another old acquaintance of Real Madrid Alex Jiménez has emerged in recent matches as Milan's starting left-back.
Jiménez barely played seven games with Castilla and Milan paid 5 million euros for him. The Lombard club uses him as a bargaining chip against Theo Hernández, who doesn't accept the renewal conditions of the club. He's taking advantage of the opportunity.
He's a valued player in Milan. However, he could make the return trip to Bernabéu if the operation includes the loan of Endrick, Arda Güler, or Brahim. The latter has already succeeded as a rossonero.
These are the three youth academy players now in Italy who could become the solution to Ancelotti's defensive problems, all at a modest price.