Real Madrid's Preferred Central Defender for January or June, Florentino's Plan A

Given what happened in recent months, one of Real Madrid's priorities in the transfer market next summer should be the incorporation  of a central defender. The first team's injuries have complicated the performance of Carlo Ancelotti's men: the Reggiolo coach insists that a transfer is necessary.

But the Whites' executives don't seem willing to intervene during the January 2025 transfer market. To hold out for the rest of the season, the coaching staff will rely on Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio and a repositioned Aurélien Tchouaméni at the heart of the defense. With only three players, it is expected that next year will also bring back David Alaba, who has been injured for a year.

However, the Austrian central defender's chances can't be trusted: his recovery process has been very long and costly, with serious physical difficulties that have extended it. Considering that Éder Militão will also return for the 25/26 season, the team's sporting management wants to avoid in the future the situation that is now being experienced in the team.

As things stand, they are reportedly regularly exploring the central defender market with an eye on a summer acquisition. Although there are several names already on the list of potential players, the latest to arrive could well be the definitive choice: Lisandro Martínez.

Number one

The Argentine defender, who plays for Manchester United, is not the first time that he has been part of the club's plans. Although it is true that until now he had not been carefully considered, the urgency in the center of the white defense would've changed the situation completely. Because now, in addition to young talent, they need an already established player who can offer great performance immediately.

The Red Devils ' '6' is one of the center-backs who fits the profile so sought after by the Valdebebas offices. With his arrival, Lisandro Martínez would form a duo with an imperial Antonio Rüdiger, current leader of the Merengue defense: he is 26 years old, the perfect age to compete for the position.

Known for his ability to get the ball out and his striking tactical and defensive aggressiveness, the Argentine center-back is a clear candidate to reinforce the white defense... but it won't be done at any price. Rúben Amorim has a lot of faith in the South American player, currently valued at 50 million euros.

But his contract, signed until the summer of 2027 with the option of adding one more season, would increase the transfer fee demanded by the Carrington offices. Any figure that exceeds that 50 million would be too much for the Madrid bosses, who continue to look for 'plan B' to avoid repeating the mistakes made in the fiasco of the 'Yoro case'.