Real Madrid’s recent 4-0 defeat to Barcelona has triggered widespread concern among supporters and a deep introspection at the Santiago Bernabeu. The defensive shortcomings that have plagued the team became glaringly apparent during El Clasico, highlighting the need for reinforcements as the January transfer window approaches. The Athletic’s analysis sheds light on the current state of Real Madrid’s defence, its vulnerabilities, and potential solutions.
Real Madrid’s Defensive Issues This Season
In La Liga, Los Blancos find themselves trailing arch-rivals Barcelona by six points. More alarmingly, they are eight points worse off in both La Liga and the Champions League compared to the same stage last season. While Kylian Mbappe’s arrival was expected to bolster an already potent attack alongside Vinicius Junior, defensive frailties have stolen the spotlight.
The match against Barcelona epitomised these concerns. As noted in The Athletic’s piece, the starting centre-back duo of Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger were left exposed by a single incisive pass from Marc Casado, allowing Robert Lewandowski to score. This moment underscored the lack of cohesion and vulnerability in the defensive line, leading to widespread criticism and calls for immediate action.
“Militao and Rudiger are Madrid’s only two senior centre-backs apart from Jesus Vallejo, who isn’t in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans,” the report states. With limited options, Ancelotti and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez have agreed that defensive reinforcements are necessary in January—a move not made by the club since 2019, when Reinier arrived from Flamengo for €30 million.
Summer Transfer Failures Impacting Madrid
Real Madrid’s defensive woes can be traced back to a summer transfer window that did not go as planned. Their pursuit of Leny Yoro fell through, with the French talent opting to join Manchester United for €62 million. Adding to their plight, promising centre-back Rafa Marin was sold to Napoli, and club captain Nacho departed for Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.
Madrid’s choice not to sign a replacement left them exposed when academy prospect Joan Martinez suffered a severe knee injury during pre-season. Another academy talent, Jacobo Ramon, has been struggling with persistent muscular issues, further limiting Ancelotti’s options. The season’s defensive crisis deepened when Dani Carvajal—who had been covering at centre-back—suffered a season-ending knee injury in October.
The Athletic summarises the concern aptly: “Militao’s concentration issues and Rudiger’s fatigue have compounded the defensive instability. The German defender even opted out of national team duties in September to manage his workload.”
Who Are Madrid’s Defensive Targets?
With a clear need for reinforcements, Real Madrid have been linked to several centre-backs ahead of January. Here are the key candidates:
1. Vitor Reis (18, Palmeiras) Reis is a promising talent from Palmeiras and has been likened to Marquinhos and Militao due to his playing style. His release clause is set at €100 million, and Palmeiras are not keen on selling him until after the FIFA Club World Cup next summer. Reis captained Brazil’s Under-17 team to victory in the 2023 South American Championship and has demonstrated his potential in the Palmeiras first team with 17 appearances and two goals.
2. Castello Lukeba (21, RB Leipzig) Lukeba is a highly regarded French centre-back whose release clause is €90 million following a recent contract renewal with RB Leipzig. His rapid development at Lyon and strong performances at Leipzig have drawn the attention of Madrid’s scouts. His pace, defensive prowess, and left-footed ability make him an attractive prospect for Madrid as they await David Alaba’s return from injury.
3. Aymeric Laporte (30, Al Nassr) Laporte, a seasoned international with Spain, moved to Al Nassr in 2023 after leaving Manchester City. Despite settling in the Saudi Pro League, he has expressed discomfort with the move and could be open to returning to Europe. The Athletic points out that financial constraints and Al Nassr’s €27.5 million investment might complicate a January transfer, especially given Madrid’s wage policies.
4. Jonathan Tah (28, Bayer Leverkusen) Tah’s name has surfaced due to his contract expiring in June 2025, presenting a potential market opportunity. While highly rated, the German international shares representation with figures tied to Barcelona, possibly complicating Madrid’s pursuit.
January Moves: A Balancing Act
Despite the apparent need for immediate reinforcement, signing any of these players in January presents challenges. Financial considerations and current contracts could delay major moves until the summer. For instance, Vitor Reis’s €100 million clause and Palmeiras’ reluctance to sell mid-season make a January deal unlikely. Similarly, RB Leipzig’s stance on Lukeba signals that a transfer may only happen after the current campaign.
Laporte and Tah could be more feasible targets due to their circumstances, but compromises will be necessary. Madrid would have to meet Al Nassr’s valuation for Laporte, and Tah’s connections with Barcelona could create complications.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
A concerned Madridista might view this situation with anxiety as the club’s vulnerabilities have never been clearer. The lack of depth and the failure to reinforce the squad in the summer could come back to haunt Real Madrid during the second half of the season. The upcoming winter window offers a chance to bolster the defence, but the club’s policy of short-term contracts and financial prudence may limit its options.
If January passes without significant defensive additions, Madrid’s hope for silverware could hinge precariously on Rudiger’s fitness, Militao’s focus, and Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments. As Barcelona continues to set the pace, Madrid must act decisively or risk being left further behind in both domestic and European competitions.
