In a season where Real Madrid’s defensive depth has been severely tested, speculation about potential reinforcements in January is heating up.
After suffering multiple long-term injuries to key players like Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal, the La Liga champions are in urgent need of bolstering their defensive ranks. With a strained backline, Madrid could look towards the Premier League, where one of the league’s brightest young defenders, William Saliba, has caught the eye of many top clubs, including the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid’s defensive crisis reached new heights when Militao, who had already battled injury issues in the past, tore his ACL for the second time in two seasons during the recent fixture against Osasuna. His absence leaves Madrid with one fewer option in central defense. Similarly, Carvajal, an ever-present figure in Madrid’s backline, was sidelined with a similar injury last month. This has left Carlo Ancelotti’s squad with glaring weaknesses, forcing the club to explore new transfer options ahead of the January window.
One of the names frequently mentioned as a possible target for Madrid is former Manchester City centre-back, Aymeric Laporte. Now plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, Laporte’s name has been linked to Madrid as a potential stopgap solution for their defensive woes. When asked about the rumors surrounding a move to the Bernabeu, Laporte was cautious but open to the idea. He remarked, “I’m not very aware of it. I’ve only read the same thing as you, so there’s no problem. Obviously, teams like Real Madrid are not looked down upon.”
However, not all experts believe a January move is in Madrid’s best interest. Rafael Alkorta, a former sporting director of Athletic Bilbao, has urged the club to wait until the summer and instead pursue William Saliba as a long-term solution to their defensive issues. Alkorta, speaking to Cadena SER, suggested that although Laporte could be a viable short-term fix, the real prize would be a player like Saliba. “I wouldn’t sign in January, I would wait and consider Aymeric Laporte as an option,” Alkorta said. “Maybe you have to spend €80 million (£66.5m) on a guy like Saliba who will give you 10 more years of service. Real Madrid rarely make mistakes in that regard.”
Saliba’s rise to prominence in the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable. The 23-year-old French defender has become one of the best central defenders in England, earning widespread praise for his composure, athleticism, and leadership at the back. His partnership with Gabriel in the heart of Arsenal’s defense has been a key factor in the Gunners’ impressive showings in recent seasons. Under manager Mikel Arteta, Saliba has flourished, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal’s title challenges and maintaining a solid defensive record in the Premier League.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Even Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, regarded by many as the best centre-back in the Premier League, has praised Saliba for his quality. When asked by Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel about the defenders who have caught his eye, Van Dijk didn’t hesitate to name Saliba. “Well obviously Saliba is making very good steps at the moment,” said Van Dijk. “He’s the first one I have in mind. He’s a solid one, in possession I think he’s doing a good job.”
When pushed by Ferdinand about whether Saliba reminded him of himself, Van Dijk was quick to admit that the Frenchman at 23 is already ahead of where he was at the same age. “Yeah, maybe, I think if I’m honest when I was that age I was nowhere near what he is today. That’s the beauty of football,” Van Dijk confessed.
This glowing praise from one of the world’s top defenders speaks volumes about Saliba’s potential and his ability to perform on the biggest stages. Under Arteta, Saliba has become an integral part of Arsenal’s defense, playing a key role in their ongoing bid for Premier League supremacy. With 12 goals conceded in 11 Premier League games this season, Arsenal’s defense, with Saliba at its heart, has been one of the league’s tightest. However, Arsenal’s recent dip in form, which has seen them win just one of their last four league outings, has left them nine points behind leaders Liverpool and in need of a boost to regain their title challenge.
For Real Madrid, the need for a solid, reliable defender to pair with Antonio Rudiger is now more urgent than ever. Militao’s injury has highlighted Madrid’s vulnerability in defense, particularly with an eye on their ambitions for the future. With both Carvajal and Militao struggling to stay fit, Saliba would provide the kind of long-term stability Madrid desperately needs. At 23, Saliba has the potential to be a cornerstone of any defense for the next decade, making him an attractive prospect for Madrid as they look to solidify their backline for years to come.
While Laporte might be an appealing short-term fix, investing in Saliba could ensure that Real Madrid’s defensive future is secure. Madrid’s track record in identifying and nurturing top talent speaks for itself, and if they can prise Saliba away from Arsenal in the coming transfer windows, they could be set up for sustained success both domestically and in Europe.
Of course, any move for Saliba would be a significant investment, with reports suggesting that the Frenchman could command a fee upwards of €80 million. Given his age, potential, and current form, this would be a price Madrid could consider paying, knowing they are securing a player who could be a linchpin of their defense for a decade or more.
The question now is whether Madrid will act quickly and aggressively in January or whether they will heed Alkorta’s advice and wait for the summer, when the opportunity to secure Saliba may become more realistic. One thing is certain: the future of Real Madrid’s defense is on the line, and Saliba could be the key to returning the club to its defensive best.
As the transfer rumors swirl, all eyes will be on the upcoming months to see if Madrid will make their move for one of Europe’s brightest defensive talents. In the meantime, Saliba’s focus will remain on his duties with Arsenal, who are hoping to recover from their recent dip in form and challenge for the Premier League title. With their next fixture against Nottingham Forest looming on the horizon, the Gunners will be hoping Saliba’s calm and commanding presence will help them return to winning ways.
