It has been clear since the start of the season that Real Madrid does not have a very large roster. Their only healthy midfielders are Luka Modric and Federico Valverde. Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao are the only natural center-backs available until David Alaba recovers from his ACL injury, which may not happen until 2025. The defensive situation is similarly grim.
Since the beginning of the previous season, Real Madrid has had trouble with their central defense. Since Carlo Ancelotti frequently had just Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez to pick from during the 2023–24 season, Aurelien Tchouameni was utilized in that capacity several times. In the future, they will seek a more long-term answer.
Leny Yoro chose Manchester United over Real Madrid when they tried to sign him in the summer. It’s interesting that they didn’t look for a substitute, thus this problem will probably come up again in 2025.
If somebody is being sought at that time, it will be interesting to watch. As Yoro would have been, the ideal option would be a player fit for long-term use. Rudiger and Alaba will need to be replaced in the upcoming years because they are both getting close to the age of thirty. In any case, a new center-back is necessary.
William Saliba has been the subject of recent rumors, and Real Madrid would be lucky to sign him. His youth, relative anonymity, and growth potential make him a great prospect for a move.
His high price tag is the sole drawback. Arsenal is reportedly willing to pay more than €120 million for him. Real Madrid would surpass the roughly €120 million spent on Eden Hazard if they were to spend a little bit more, setting a new club record.
If Real Madrid could agree on personal terms with Saliba and had the money to pay the asking price, it would be an obvious decision. Everyone at Los Blancos knows that he is already one of the best central defenders in the world and will only get better in the years to come.
Given his greater prominence, it makes sense that Saliba would cost a lot more than someone like Yoro. Real Madrid, however, has the funds to buy him, particularly given their constrained summer expenditures. It would undoubtedly be worthwhile to make a significant investment.