Real Madrid not only fell to RCD Espanyol last weekend, but also suffered a loss in their squad that could severely affect their defensive aspirations.
The most relevant news was the injury of Antonio Rüdiger. The German defender had to leave the field 15 minutes into the match against Espanyol due to physical discomfort that prevented him from continuing.
Rüdiger made a clear gesture toward the bench, indicating that he couldn't continue playing. At that moment, Carlo Ancelotti didn't hesitate to make the change and opted for Raúl Asencio to cover the German center-back's position.
Hours later, Real Madrid's medical department issued an official statement confirming that Rüdiger will be out of action for approximately 20 days. This recovery time could be decisive for the team, which will have to face several important commitments without one of its most reliable pieces.
Contingency plan in light of Rüdiger's absence
In this situation, Real Madrid's sports management began to seek quick solutions. The contingency plan was activated to try to incorporate a new defender before the transfer market closes. The name that has gained strength in recent hours is Aymeric Laporte, center-back for Al-Nassr.
Laporte, playing in the Saudi Pro League since 2023, seems to be looking for a way out of his team to return to LaLiga. Real Madrid has been monitoring the player for several months, with the intention of strengthening their defensive line. However, there are several obstacles that complicate his arrival at the club.
The difficulty of signing Laporte
One of the main problems in signing Laporte is his contract with Al-Nassr, which extends until 2026. This gives the Saudi club full control over his future, making negotiations for his transfer difficult. Although Laporte has shown his desire to return to Europe, the contractual situation makes him a complicated signing in the short term.
Additionally, Laporte's arrival doesn't seem to fit Florentino Pérez's strategy for this market. Real Madrid's president seems focused on strengthening other key positions and might postpone a defensive renewal until the summer.
What future awaits Real Madrid's defense?
With Rüdiger's injury and Laporte's increasingly complicated arrival, everything points to Real Madrid continuing the season with the current defenders. Ancelotti will have to rely on the youth players to play as center-backs.
This opens the door for Real Madrid to seek alternatives in the market for next summer, with possible significant moves in the defense. The future of the white defense is uncertain, but the sports management is on alert for any eventuality.