Real Madrid will sign 30-year-old Spanish international only if he arrives for free

Real Madrid are less than 20 days away from their first official game of the season, and yet have just two available centre-backs.

David Alaba’s injury coupled with the departures of Nacho Fernandez and Rafa Marin leave the Merengues in a spot of bother. After all, top transfer target Leny Yoro caved into pressure and signed for Manchester United.

Carlo Ancelotti and Co. do not see a pressing need to rope in a new player in the department and trust Aurelien Tchouameni to shoulder the responsibility. Aymeric Laporte, however, has been mentioned as a possible recruitment.

Far from simple

As revealed in a recent update via AS, Ancelotti is crazy about the idea of roping in Laporte, especially given the form he displayed at Euro 2024.

The player is open to signing for Los Blancos as well. He understands that the opportunity may never arise again and is willing to let go of the remaining two years of his lucrative contract in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Nassr, however, refuse to allow the player to depart on a free transfer and demand that a transfer fee be involved. They hope to at least recover the €27 million they paid to sign the player.

Real Madrid, on their part, refuse to shell out any fee. They will sign the centre-back only if he arrives on a free transfer.

Still at his best

The 30-year-old centre-back may no longer play in Europe, but the recently concluded European Championship proved that Laporte is still one of the best in the business.

Featuring as a regular starter for Spain, the veteran defender averaged close to nine defensive actions per game and was a key pillar in the team’s run to the title.

There is thus no doubt over Laporte’s quality should he arrive to work under Ancelotti. Al-Nassr’s asking price, however, deems the transaction improbable.