Real Madrid Transfers: The top 3 center backs available in summer 2021

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.