Real Madrid identify three defenders to bolster injury-ridden backline in January – report

It is no secret that Real Madrid are actively looking to strengthen their defence in the upcoming January transfer window, with the club focusing on signing a proven centre-back following Eder Militao’s injury.

Now, according to reports from AS, the club has identified three potential targets to bolster their defensive line. Aymeric Laporte is the first choice, followed by Castello Lukeba, while Jonathan Tah has recently emerged as a third option. This is the order of preference from Real Madrid.

The injury to Militao has highlighted the urgent need for a centre-back. As a result, signing a player in this position has become non-negotiable for the club.

With the winter transfer window fast approaching, Madrid have made it clear that they do not intend to bring back Sergio Ramos, nor are they looking for a temporary fix.

Instead, the club is determined to secure a long-term solution, someone who can immediately contribute and also provide future potential. This has led to the narrowing of their search to three players: Laporte, Lukeba, and Tah.

Real Madrid will sign in January

According to the outlet, the decision to sign a defender was finalised on Sunday afternoon, as the club considered the possibility of signing an available free agent to solve the immediate problem.

However, none of the available free agents were deemed to be of the required standard for a club like Real Madrid.

As a result, the focus has now shifted entirely to the January window, where Madrid are willing to make a significant investment to sign a centre-back who can make an impact straight away.

Tah is the new entrant

In that regard, there have been two key developments in this situation. First, the list of candidates has been reduced from four names to three.

The second is the emergence of Tah as a viable option. While he is not the top priority, he has moved ahead of other candidates such as Vitor Reis and Valentín Gomez, whose chances have decreased.

At the moment, Laporte remains Madrid’s preferred choice, but the operation is facing challenges. Convincing his current club, Al Nassr, to let him go without agreeing to their asking price of €15-20 million is proving difficult.

Despite these obstacles, Real Madrid are committed to securing a centre-back in January, with Laporte, Lukeba, and Tah remaining the three options on the table.