In a match where Ancelotti began to address playing style issues and celebrate a positive result, he went home worried. Injuries to Lucas Vazquez, Rodrygo and Eder Militao complicate the Italian’s task, particularly that of the Brazilian central defender, who is out for the entire season. As David Alaba is still recovering, he has no choice but to turn to the transfer window. Jesus Vallejo does not count for the Italian, and entrusting responsibility to a young player from the training center like Raul Asencio is risky. Alternatives – or understudies – like Dani Carvajal or Aurélien Tchouameni are also unavailable.
One option would be the possibility of signing a versatile full-back, but the priority is a central defender. It won’t be easy because the timing of the season doesn’t help. ‘Relevo’ and ‘Marca’ put forward two names: Aymeric Laporte and Castello Lukeba. They adapt to the left side defender position, but with very different profiles.
Aymeric Laporte was already in Real Madrid’s crosshairs last summer when it came to strengthening the defense. European champion with Spain, his big ‘problem’ is that he plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. His transfer would not be simple. His salary doesn’t help either. His club paid 27 million for him and, according to ‘Marca’, he wants three more (30) in case Madrid decide to sign him. A question that complicates this transfer because Laporte is already 30 years old and Real Madrid has become accustomed in recent years to not paying such sums for players who reach their thirties.
Lukeba Castle is another player who has been thrust into the spotlight. The 21-year-old Frenchman, from Olympique Lyonnais, plays at a high level at RB Leipzig, but he recently signed his extension. He did not increase his clause, which is already high: 90 million euros. An unaffordable sum, but the German club is used to negotiating, as has already been the case with Dani Olmo, even if it knows the great need that Real Madrid has to urgently find a central defender.
Senegal
