Real Madrid have decided to secure a new center-back in the January transfer window following Eder Militao’s season-ending ACL injury.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Carlo Ancelotti’s side has shortlisted potential candidates, with Aymeric Laporte (Al-Nassr), Castello Lukeba (RB Leipzig), and Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen) among the top options.
Notably, Manchester United have already made contact with Tah’s representatives as they look to bolster their defense under new manager Ruben Amorim. With Amorim likely to implement a three-at-the-back formation, United is keen to add depth to their central defense, even with players like Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs De Ligt, and Harry Maguire currently available.
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Real Madrid could derail Manchester United’s pursuit of Tah
Reports from Sky Germany indicate that Real Madrid are strongly considering Tah as a long-term solution, potentially disrupting United’s plans to make him the first signing under Amorim. Journalist Florian Plettenberg shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Tah is indeed on Real Madrid’s shortlist, although concrete negotiations have not yet started. Still, a January move for Tah to Madrid remains “a real possibility.”
Long-Term over short-term solutions for Real Madrid
Although club legend Sergio Ramos is a free agent and could provide an immediate solution, both AS and Plettenberg confirmed that Real Madrid are focused on finding a player who can contribute long-term, ruling out a reunion with Ramos. This makes Tah, 28 and in his prime, an attractive candidate, especially as he’s in the final year of his contract with Leverkusen, making a cut-price January move feasible for the Spanish club.
United’s Need for Defensive Reinforcement
Despite a packed roster, United may see several center-backs depart soon. Maguire, Evans, and Lindelof are all in the final year of their contracts, with an option to extend Maguire’s stay. Reports indicate United could part ways with these players at season’s end. Adding Tah now would allow United to prepare for future departures and give Amorim an established defender to integrate into his preferred back-three formation.
With competition from Real Madrid, United may have to act swiftly if they wish to secure Tah’s signature in January.