Real Madrid should bring back Sergio Ramos to Santiago Bernabeau as several of their defenders are out injured, fans demand. Veteran Ramos, who last played for Sevilla, is now a free agent, making the signing uncomplicated, they point out.
However, if reports coming from Spain are to be believed, Carlo Ancelotti and other decision-makers at Real Madrid are more interested in another defender. The defending La Liga champions are likely to bid for a Pro Saudi League (PSL) star with rich Premier League experience in January, the reports said.
Former Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte, who plays alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr is the player Real reportedly have its eyes set on. The 30-year-old, who was part of Pep’s treble-winning team, cost Al-Nassr €27.5 million in 2023. However, he is interested in donning the famous white shirt of Real and may even consider taking a pay cut to fulfil the dream.
[FILE] Aymeric Laporte | Reuters
Laporte, who played for France initially, decided to switch his allegiance to Spain due to lack of opportunities under Didier Deschamp’s team. The decision paid off as Laporte made it to the La Roja squad that lifted the Euro 2024 beating England in the summit clash.
According to a report by Madrid Universe, the Los Blancos are willing to spend up to €12 million for Laporte. On his side, the 6 ft 2-tall defender may agree to give up €5-6 million on his salary so that the deal could happen, the report added.
Real Madrid’s injury woes
Real Madrid defender Eder Militao on Saturday sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in their 4-0 La Liga win over Osasuna and is set to miss several months for the second consecutive season. The Brazilian was injured when he hyperextended his knee trying to strike a rebound early in the game and was in tears as he was helped off the pitch. The 26-year-old Militao became the second Real Madrid player to suffer an ACL injury this season, after captain Dani Carvajal, also a defender.
In addition to Militao, Lucas Vazques and Rodrygo joined on Saturday and Ancelotti said that he will look for solutions inside the club until the transfer window opens in January. Ancelotti said on Saturday he will be forced to resort to the club’s youth academy players to fill in as injuries continue to plague the Champions League holders.
Real were also missing the services of Thibaut Courtois, Aurelien Tchouameni, David Alaba — leaving them with only Vallejo, Antonio Ruediger, Ferland Mendy and Fran Gracia in their senior squad to choose from in defence. Thus, signings are necessary in January to steady a season that is in the verge of collapse.
