Free agent centre-back halts talks over move due to Real Madrid interest | OneFootball

Real Madrid are on the lookout for potential opportunities in the transfer market, having missed out on Leny Yoro, who has signed for Manchester United. The club line has been that they do not want to move for a central defender unless they feel it is the right player, but manager Carlo Ancelotti wants to add another centre-back to his squad.

It was reported this week that Los Blancos had discussed the idea of signing Aymeric Laporte from Al-Nassr fresh off the back of his Euro 2024 triumph. Now GdS say that Bologna were in talks with Mats Hummels over a deal, but interest from Real Madrid has caused the veteran defender to put those talks on hold, in case of an offer from the Santiago Bernabeu.

The story was carried by Diario AS, who note that the 35-year-old would arrive on a free after terminating his deal with Borussia Dortmund, and sign a one-year deal on a reasonable salary, making him a relatively risk-free transfer. Hummels is experienced at the top level, and his last game came against Los Blancos in the Champions League final.

Certainly if Ancelotti and Real Madrid want an option to tie him over until they can move for a more long-term option next summer, Hummels seems an easy deal to do with little downside on a one-year deal. On the other hand, former Real Madrid central defender Pepe is also a free agent, and already knows the club, if that is their line of thinking.