Real Madrid are mostly focused on signing forwards this summer, and that’s where their attention should be directed. For three straight seasons, they have relied on Karim Benzema to carry the attack. In each of the past two campaigns, Real’s second-leading goal-scorer has been a defensive-focused player, mostly providing goals through set pieces.
But Real may also have needs on the defensive side of the ball. Sergio Ramos still has not signed an extension, which troubles Madridistas. Raphael Varane’s own future is uncertain. Eder Militao could be on the way out, too.
So if they need a center back, let’s take a look at the top three options available this summer.
Bayern Munich CB David Alaba
We begin with David Alaba, who is having, let’s be honest here, a rough season with Bayern Munich. But he’s probably not in an ideal situation to succeed, since he knows he isn’t sticking around in Bavaria. Alaba wants a new challenge after spending so much time as a Bayern player, and his eyes are clearly on Real Madrid and Barcelona, with the Royal Whites standing out as the favorites to sign him.
While his wages won’t be cheap, signing a player of Alaba’s caliber on a free transfer is a big deal. Florentino Perez knows Alaba can play at a high level at left back or center back, and he has some midfield versatility. We saw Alaba stand out at center back in 2019-2020, and I believe he would return to those heights as a motivated Madridista.
Sevilla CB Jules Kounde
David Alaba is the biggest name and would be a great catch for Real Madrid, but I think most Madridistas have Jules Kounde on top of their list of targets. He qualifies as a “dream” target, if there is such a thing, at center back, as he’s quickly established himself as one of the best central defenders in Europe.
Kounde reads the game exceptionally well and is an accurate passer on the ball. Even though he is only 22 years old, he has great composure. Kounde is even capable of scoring goals himself, which appeals to Madridistas who have watched Sergio Ramos regularly put them past the keeper with his head – or even both feet.
Now, acquiring Kounde won’t be easy at all. He could cost a minimum of 80 million euros, and Sevilla would surely prefer to sell such a talented player outside of La Liga. Why would anyone want to go up against him a minimum of two times per season?
But Kounde is a generational talent who is worth the price. He can become one of the three best center backs in the world over the next decade – if not the best. If Real Madrid need to replace either Raphael Varane or Ramos in the long run, then it might honestly be Kounde or bust when it comes to finding that direct replacement.
Villarreal CB Pau Torres
There are a few candidates for the final spot in a top three, as Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile is underrated and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibay is a big name who could be available. But based on the rumors we’ve seen and his own performances this season, Pau Torres qualifies as a top center back target from a Real Madrid perspective.
Torres is establishing himself as Sergio Ramos’ partner in the Spanish national team, and he’s been one of the best center backs in La Liga this year. You could even make the case for putting him in the La Liga Team of the Season over Jules Kounde, as Squawka recently did.
Although Torres wouldn’t be quite as expensive as Kounde, he would still cost quite a bit of money. The Yellow Submarine star defender has a 65 million euro release clause, which is probably more than Los Blancos can afford, unless if they do end up having to sell Raphael Varane. Then, they can use that money to buy Torres as his replacement, which might end up being their only valid option.
At 24, Torres has a high degree of potential and is already pretty close to being a starting-caliber player at a club of Real’s stature. He’d have growing pains, but he’s very much worth looking into as a transfer target this summer.