Real Madrid target signs a new contract at Sociedad as Mourinho continues to push for a new defender | OneFootball

Real Madrid may have already signed three new defenders heading into the new season, one of whom even made it to the World Cup team of the tournament.

But that hasn’t stopped Jose Mourinho from entering the market yet another, with the Portuguese tactician looking to sign one more centre-back.

Real Madrid have been linked with a move for several top centre-backs across Europe, one of them being Jon Martin.

However, Real Madrid’s pursuit of Martin is now obsolete as the player has decided to stay at Real Sociedad.

Martin no longer an option

That is because Real Sociedad have confirmed Martin has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2032.

This effectively rules out any move for Martin in the near future and seals his long-term future at the club.

At just 20, the youngster has already become the leader of the Real Sociedad backline, and he made his feelings clear after putting pen to paper.

“I’m happy to be able to stay here, to be able to stay at home. In the end, it’s the club that has given me everything. I’ve been here since I was 12 years old, so I’m very happy,” Martin said.

What are Real Madrid’s alternatives?

Jon Martin will remain at Real Sociedad. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

With Martin off the table, Mourinho will have to look elsewhere, and several names remain in the frame.

Alessandro Bastoni has long been the preferred option, though his agent recently insisted the Italian is “in love with Inter” and has no intention of leaving, while Al-Hilal have also entered that race.

Elsewhere, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte have all been mentioned, alongside Benfica’s Tomas Araujo.

Any incoming deal remains dependent on outgoings. Real Madrid will not sign another centre-back until Raul Asencio departs, meaning Mourinho’s search may drag on for some time yet.

The coming weeks could be crucial as Real Madrid first look to get rid of some of the unwanted stars before pursuing new players in the market.