Real Madrid have to improve their squad this upcoming summer transfer window. For years, Carlo Ancelotti was telling Florentino Perez about the exact players Real needed in order to stay on top in the Champions League and La Liga, but the president arrogantly ignored him - a decision that cost Carlo his job last year and will continue to haunt Real unless rectified.
It seems, though, from the transfer rumor mill, Real Madrid are going to get serious about beefing up the midfield and defense. Although they did bag left back Alvaro Carreras and young central defender Dean Huijsen last summer, more help is needed, particularly at center back.
Ibrahima Konate is one free agent option, while Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck is the dream on an affordable release clause. But there will still be other options worth Los Blancos keeping an eye on, including new candidates not yet linked.
John Stones is hitting free agency
According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, another notable name is going to hit the open market for Real Madrid to ponder. Per Fab, Manchester City star center back and defensive midfielder John Stones is expected to officially leave the Premier League giants as a free agent this summer transfer window along with Bernardo Silva.
At this stage of his career, Silva does not seem to interest Real Madrid at all, and while Stones is 31 with a bit of an injury history, players of his profile as central defenders and 6's don't tend to decline as sharply.
Linked to Bayern Munich, John Stones hitting free agency is an outcome many around world football have been expecting for months, but this is further confirmation that the former Champions League hero will be available.
Real Madrid are familiar with Stones's game in the middle of the park and as a great defender on the ball. They do love their veteran free agent signings, too, and they have had success adding experienced defenders as free agents from Champions League sides that beat them in the past between David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger.
Now, Stones really isn't a top option considering his age, expected wage cost, and lack of star power compared to, say, Nico Schlotterbeck. But he is experienced, a free agent, great on the ball, and knows how to win at the highest level. He is also more tactically intelligent than any current Real Madrid central defender besides Eder Militao. So he is an option close to being officially on the table to at least think about.
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