Real Madrid scouring the market for promising young centre-backs – two targets identified | OneFootball

Real Madrid are scouring the transfer market for a promising young centre-back for the next summer transfer window, reports AS.

In fact, the Merengues have identified two possible targets already in the form of Palmeiras’ Vitor Reis (18) and Valencia youngster Yarek Gasiorowski (19).

The current situation

Real Madrid entered the 2024-25 season with a noticeably thin roster in the centre-back position. The team currently rely on two starting defenders, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger, who are expected to play most matches when healthy.

Another key player, David Alaba, is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury and will not return until at least November.

There is also a fourth centre-back on the squad in Jesus Vallejo, but he does not feature in Ancelotti’s plans and his appearances are likely to be minimal.

Alaba is still recovering from his ACL Injury. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Real Madrid attempted to strengthen this position last summer with Leny Yoro, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Finding no suitable alternatives, they decided to wait, knowing that some players, particularly Aurelien Tchouameni and Dani Carvajal, could cover the position if needed.

The youth academy was also seen as a potential source of talent. Young Joan Martinez impressed during the pre-season but suffered an ACL injury, delaying his breakthrough.

Jacobo Ramon from Castilla has been registered with the first team, but a muscle injury has kept him off the team sheets. Raul Asencio is also available but is expected to remain with Castilla unless urgently needed.

Plans for a new CB

Real Madrid have decided to proceed with their current squad while monitoring the transfer market. Names of established and even veteran centre-backs like Aymeric Laporte and Mats Hummels surfaced, but the club did not pursue them.

Real Madrid have shown an interest in Gasiorowski. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Spanish champions’ strategy aligns with recent signings like Endrick, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Arda Guler – young players with high potential who can contribute immediately in secondary roles and develop within the club to eventually become starters.

As mentioned earlier, two names have emerged as potential targets: Vitor Reis and Yarek Gasiriowski.

Reis is an 18-year-old centre-back from Palmeiras, considered the most promising defender in South America. The 18-year-old has expressed his desire to move to Europe soon but has a contract until 2028 with a €100 million release clause.

Meanwhile, Yarek Gasiorowski is a 19-year-old left-footed defender, capable of playing as a left-back, with some experience and impressive physical attributes. He has a release clause of €45 million, which could serve as a starting point for negotiations.

With Rudiger at 31, Militao at 26, and Alaba at 32, Real Madrid aim to reinforce their defence with a young player who can gradually develop alongside the best.