Real Madrid has a serious problem with injuries in its defensive line. The injuries to Alaba, Militão, Carvajal, and Rüdiger are now joined by Lucas Vázquez's injury. It is the line that causes Carlo Ancelotti the most headaches.
Real Madrid could have signed players in the winter transfer market to solve the problem for the final stretch of the season. But they haven't, waiting for the injured players to return next season.
For next year, Real Madrid was counting on Alphonso Davies, who ultimately used the club to negotiate a contract improvement with Bayern, and he will remain in Munich.
Offered to All the Big Clubs in Europe
The other top defender with whom Real Madrid has negotiated is in the bag. It is Liverpool's full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will land at Bernabéu in July.
But Alexander-Arnold might not arrive alone at Real Madrid. Another of Liverpool's shining stars is out of contract on June 30 and will be free, like Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.
It is the 33-year-old Dutch center-back Virgil van Dijk. The flagship of the Reds has decided to leave Anfield at the end of the season and his agent has offered him to all the big clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid.
Bayern and Juventus, very much in need of a top-level center-back - they already tried with Araújo - have already shown interest in him. But the player is waiting for Real Madrid's reply, which has received the offer and informed Carlo Ancelotti.
Another Free Transfer
The Italian coach, very upset with the injuries plaguing his defensive line, has given the green light to his incorporation. He wants to live peacefully with his defense next season.
Van Dijk will already be 34 years old at the start of the next season. But he can be an important reinforcement for the present. The club doesn't have high hopes for David Alaba's recovery.
Ancelotti would have the two spots doubled for the center of the defense: Militão, Rüdiger, Asencio, and Van Dijk. With this line-up of center-backs, a season can be faced with full guarantees.
Additionally, he would arrive at Real Madrid like Mbappé and Alexander-Arnold: on a free transfer. Van Dijk is eagerly awaiting Real Madrid's call. If it happens, he will rule out his other possible destinations.