Real Madrid will consider signing a defender only if a bargain option emerges

With Leny Yoro deciding to join Manchester United, Real Madrid find themselves in a tricky situation regarding their defence lineup for the upcoming season.

According to Carlos Forjanes from Diario AS, Real Madrid are now considering sticking with Aurelien Tchouameni as a centre-back unless a great deal comes up in the market at a bargain price.

It is no secret that Real Madrid were counting on Yoro to complete their squad for the 2024-25 season. His unexpected move to Manchester United has left the club short on centre-backs.

Currently, only Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao are fully available. David Alaba is expected to return to full fitness no earlier than November, and Jesus Vallejo is staying with the team more out of personal determination than the club’s interest.

Real Madrid are not in a hurry

Given this situation, the club is not looking to sign a new centre-back immediately. Instead, they plan to use Tchouameni in this role if necessary, while still keeping an eye out for any market opportunities that might arise.

The main issue for Real Madrid is their reluctance to spend a lot on a backup centre-back. Yoro, an 18-year-old with great potential, was seen as a viable option due to his talent and relatively affordable price.

However, Manchester United’s offer was too tempting for Yoro and Lille to resist. United offered €20 million more than Real Madrid’s maximum offer, along with a salary of €9 million per season and a guaranteed starting position.

Madrid were unwilling to match this, leading to Yoro’s official announcement as a Manchester United player.

There are targets, but not as priorities

Real Madrid currently have no other clear targets and do not want to spend money just for the sake of it.

There is also no plan to re-sign a former youth player like Mario Gila from Lazio, as Madrid owns 50% of his rights but there is no buy-back clause. There is another name on Real Madrid’s radar, such as Laporte, who is open to returning from Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, using Tchouameni as a centre-back would reduce the number of pure midfielders available to Ancelotti, who already lost one with Kroos’ retirement.

If Tchouameni is moved to defence, Ancelotti would have to rely on Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, and Dani Ceballos in midfield, hoping for no injuries.