Real Madrid must be wary of Manchester United’s center back shortlist

Real Madrid fans may be seeing stormy clouds on the horizon when it comes to the center back position, which was the pride of the team coming into the season. The duo of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos has set the benchmark at the heart of Real’s defense for so many years, and Eder Militao is a promising young player. This season, we have seen the reemergence of Nacho as a credible starter, and Ferland Mendy performed well at the position this week vs. Getafe.

But the future is a little bit uncertain. Ramos has yet to sign a new deal with Real Madrid, and his contract will expire at the end of the season. Varane’s deal will expire after the end of the following season, and a report from MARCA stated that Los Blancos could sell him this summer if he does not extend.

Manchester United could influence the future of Los Blancos’ center backs. They have reportedly not made a decision on a pursuit of Ramos, but ESPN FC’s Rob Dawson reports that the rebounding Premier League side have their eyes on Raphael Varane. He is squarely on manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s shortlist.

Unfortunately for Madridistas, Solksjaer’s good taste does not stop with Varane. Another familiar name to Spanish football fans is on the list, as the Manchester United legend also reportedly wants Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

Real Madrid need to focus on keeping Raphael Varane at all costs

United’s interest in Kounde is not surprising, since they have been linked with him before, along with other big clubs.

Kounde is already world-class at the age of 22, and he would be an ideal replacement for Varane if Real Madrid were to lose the current superstar center back. He will not be easy to sign, though, as evidenced by United’s interest.

It’s hard to see Varane going to United, but it is not impossible either. You never know what a player’s ambitions are or what aspects of a deal could sway them. But for now, he is a Real Madrid player, while Kounde is another promising, costly talent on everyone’s radar, including Real’s.

Los Blancos must keep their focus on retaining Ramos and Varane, as well as developing Militao and maybe another young center back. If they keep Varane and Ramos, they do not have to worry about spending on Kounde, Pau Torres, Dayot Upamecano, or any other young center back.

But United’s shortlist is a reminder that Real aren’t just competing with themselves to either retain or sign top talent.