Real Madrid has crossed off a new name in the search for center-backs for the next season. After the game in Liverpool, the potential arrival of Van Dijk on a free transfer gained momentum, but it won't be possible. Florentino Pérez has completely ruled him out, knowing that he's close to renewing his contract, which terminates in the coming months.
After having disagreements in the initial meetings, it seems all doubts have been dispelled. Van Dijk is reportedly close to renewing his contract with Liverpool, so Real Madrid has decided to completely step away from this possibility. There are other options to strengthen the defense, with the Dutchman being completely ruled out.
Florentino Pérez Rules out Van Dijk: Decision Made at Real Madrid
Real Madrid won't make hasty transfers in the winter market to cover the absences of Carvajal and Militão. Florentino Pérez, José Ángel Sánchez, Carlo Ancelotti, and Juni Calafat—the crisis management team—have evaluated all possibilities to strengthen the team in the winter market.
The final agreement has been reached unanimously. The emergence of Raúl Asencio and the imminent return of David Alaba have halted all negotiations. Real Madrid will finish the season with Rüdiger, Asencio, and Alaba as center-backs, with the support of Tchouaméni. The Frenchman has Ancelotti's full confidence, as proven in Girona in the last matchday.
The technical department hasn't found a center-back who offers the guarantees of the players already in the white team. They also need someone who can compete with Militão when he returns to action after recovering from his injury.
Raúl Asencio has passed with honors the tough tests of Anfield and San Mamés. Ancelotti sees him as capable of taking on the responsibility of leading Real Madrid's defense in the future. Additionally, Carletto counts on Alaba for January, so the defense position can be covered with the high level of quality the Austrian defender can provide.
This is Real Madrid's plan, a plan from which Florentino Pérez has ruled out Van Dijk. It's confirmed.