What really stopped Real Madrid from signing three defensive targets – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid have been eyeing a new defensive signing for a long time now, and events that have transpired in recent months have only further fuelled that desire.

Dean Huijsen’s relative fall-off in form, Antonio Rudiger’s uncertain future, Eder Militao’s injuries and David Alaba’s persistent fitness struggles leave Los Blancos with a dysfunctional defence – one that has been the root of so many of their problems this season.

The plan, thus, was to wait for the summer transfer window and sign an elite centre-back to serve as a starter.

In fact, Los Blancos had already identified several players who will be free agents in the summer to target and pursue.

The current situation

As explained by Mario Cortegana in a recent report, Real Madrid’s plan of luring a top defender on a free transfer does not seem to be close to working out, despite how promising it sounded on paper.

Ibrahima Konate, one of the team’s top targets, has seemingly been ruled out of Real Madrid’s plans given his poor form with Liverpool this season – something the offices in Madrid understandably consider to be a deal breaker. 

Dayot Upamecano will renew his contract with Bayern Munich. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Dayot Upamecano, the team’s next best option, seemed to be a great target for Los Blancos, but the reason for them ruling him out as well is the excessive financial demands of the player.

Moreover, he is in talks with Bayern to possibly extend his contract, something that will automatically rule out a transfer.

What about Guehi?

The third free-agent Real Madrid had on their radar was Marc Guehi. As it stands, however, they have not made any direct effort to seriously get in touch with his entourage.

The fact that Real Madrid reached out to the environment of the aforementioned two players but not Guehi suggests that he too is likely off the table.

The Merengues, thus, appear to be back to square one and may well have to find a target whose contract situation is not as favourable.

Given the defensive situation, however, a new recruit is needed even if it takes up a significant part of the team’s transfer budget.