With the season in its final stage, Real Madrid have already begun their squad-planning for the next campaign.
There is confidence within the Spanish capital club about the imminent arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free in the summer.
However, any other operations will hinge on whether the ongoing campaign ends with one, two, or three trophies.
Among the most debated questions, after manager Carlo Ancelotti’s future, is whether a new centre-back will be brought in or not.
Real Madrid still remain unconvinced
Even though some reports claimed that the club are willing to sign a new centre-back in the summer, journalist Jorge C Picon now suggests otherwise.
Indeed, as per the report, Real Madrid continue to delay any definitive moves for a new central defender, despite Ancelotti’s growing concern over the depth and reliability of the current backline.
The La Liga champions remain focused on strengthening other areas and are betting on Eder Militao’s full recovery and contributions from the youth academy to address the shortfall.
Ancelotti, who observes the players daily in training, believes it is practically imperative to sign at least one more centre-back, perhaps even two. He foresees a difficult 2025-26 season, assuming he stays on, with the current options, even with Militao returning.
However, while some voices within Valdebebas see the acquisition of a new CB as essential, the Real Madrid leadership remains unconvinced. From the club’s perspective, there are valid reasons for hesitating.
Club’s logic behind stance
Although there is no denying the position could be improved, especially with Antonio Rudiger dealing with fitness issues, David Alaba struggling post-injury, and Militao recovering from his second ACL rupture, there is no clear consensus that reinforcements are needed immediately.
Raul Asencio has convinced club officials he is ready to be part of the first team, which is why he has been offered a contract renewal. Additionally, Aurelien Tchouaméni has shown he can perform in central defence when needed.
Furthermore, financial considerations also play a role. Alaba and Rudiger, both contracted until 2026, command high salaries, with the Austrian among the top earners in the squad, and their departure in the summer seems unlikely.
Beyond that, in the event of emergencies, Real Madrid are prepared to turn to the academy, having unearthed Asencio this season while Jacobo Ramon and Joan Martinez wait in the wings.
As such, 2026 is viewed as the ideal time to bring in a top-level centre-back. William Saliba is the main target, with his contract at Arsenal running until 2027, making a future transfer feasible. For now, the club will only act if a clear market opportunity arises this summer.
