Five defenders Real Madrid should target this summer, including €50m-rated Premier League star | OneFootball

Real Madrid are in a crisis at the moment as they are the risk of ending the season trophyless.

Despite boasting a star-studded squad, Madrid have already fallen short in the Spanish Super Cup, Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Their final ray of hope is La Liga, but they are trailing Barcelona by four points in the table.

The chances of toppling their arch-rivals are looking slim, given the contrasting form of the two sides.

To make matters worse, their injury list has also piled up in the space of a week.

Their defence has been affected the most, with Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are also recovering from long-term injuries.

It leaves Raul Asencio as the only solid option in the backline, while Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to partner him as a makeshift defender – which is not new to the Frenchman.

The defensive crisis may prompt Los Blancos to dip their toes in the transfer market, having been relatively quiet in over the past couple of years.

Madrid are expected to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti this summer, and they should provide the necessary resources for the new manager to build a formidable side.

Here are the five defenders who could be great options for the Spanish giants.

Dean Huijsen

One of the most sought-after players in Europe, Dean Huijsen is available for €50 million this summer.

The 19-year-old Spanish sensation has been phenomenal for Bournemouth this season, strengthening his status as one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Huijsen would be a perfect fit for Madrid, but they face competition from other European clubs.

However, the Cherries defender’s dream to represent Los Blancos could hand them an edge in the transfer race.

William Saliba

Madrid have identified William Saliba as one of their dream targets to strengthen their backline, but prising him away from Arsenal will not be easy.

It would be hard for any player to resist the overtures of Madrid, but the Gunners will pull out all the stops to keep hold of him.

The French centre-back is arguably one of the best defenders in the world, growing by leaps and bounds at Arsenal with each passing season.

The Gunners are also preparing a lucrative contract extension for Saliba, who has publicly pledged his commitment to the Premier League giants.

Jonathan Tah

Jonathan Tah is also one of the players to watch in the transfer market after he revealed that he will not extend his contract with Bayer Leverkusen.

Barcelona have been touted as the front-runners to sign Tah for a long time, but their interest has reportedly subsided.

It gives an opportunity for Madrid to pounce on Tah, who is keen on playing in La Liga.

The 29-year-old is a well-rounded centre-back due to his sturdy nature and excellent passing abilities.

Madrid struck gold a few years ago by signing Rudiger for free, and they can replicate it with his compatriot this summer.

Castello Lukeba

RB Leipzig’s Castella Lukeba has caught everyone’s attention with his phenomenal growth over the past couple of seasons.

Lukeba’s excellent ball progression abilities, coupled with good reading of the game, make him a lethal centre-back.

His stock has also exponentially grown, with Leipzig inserting a release clause worth €90 million in his contract.

Madrid haven’t shied away from splurging on the prodigious talents, and they could strengthen their French contingent with Lukeba.

Piero Hincapie

Piero Hincapie helped Leverkusen reach unprecedented heights last year.

The Ecuadorian is a top-quality progressive passer and carrier, and his defensive numbers are also among the best.

The 23-year-old has a release clause worth €60m and is reportedly open to leaving Leverkusen for a top club this summer.

His disciplinary records aside, Madrid could secure the future of their defence with Hincapie’s signing.