Following the recent anterior cruciate ligament injuries to both Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, Real Madrid are actively searching for defensive reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer market. The club is reportedly considering three main options: Aymeric Laporte from Al-Nassr, Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig, and Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen.
Real Madrid’s top choice is Aymeric Laporte, a left-footed center-back currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Laporte is seen as a reliable defender who can make an immediate impact. However, his high wages (€8 million net per season) and transfer fee (€15-20 million) present potential obstacles.
The second option is Castello Lukeba, a 21-year-old French defender who recently signed a five-year deal with RB Leipzig. Lukeba is highly regarded by Real Madrid but would be a costly acquisition due to his €90 million release clause.
Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen is Real Madrid’s third choice. While the sources don’t elaborate on Tah’s potential transfer fee or his suitability for Real Madrid’s needs, it’s clear that the club is considering multiple options to bolster their defense.
Interestingly, Real Madrid have ruled out a return for former captain Sergio Ramos, indicating that the relationship between the club and the player is beyond repair. Additionally, Real Madrid are monitoring young talents Valentin Gomez and Vitor Reis, though they are not considered primary targets for January.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of a new central defender highlights the club’s determination to address the defensive vulnerabilities exposed by the recent injuries to key players. The club’s preferred choice, Laporte, offers experience and immediate quality but comes at a significant financial cost. Lukeba represents a long-term investment but would require a substantial transfer fee. Tah remains a viable alternative, but further details about his potential move are scarce.
