There are a number of positions were Real Madrid are light on options but if there is one area where they need to bring in reinforcements immediately, it is centre-back. Eder Militao tore his ACL in the very first game of the season and it is unclear when he will be back though there have been rumours that he could return to the pitch before the end of the campaign. David Alaba suffered a torn ACL recently as well and is sidelined for the foreseeable future and will even miss EURO 2024.
The initial expectation was that Real Madrid would not sign anyone in January. But Alaba's injury means that the only two fit centre-backs they have available are Antonio Rudiger and Nacho. The Spaniard even picked up a red card in the recent game against Alaves.
Under these circumstances, it would make sense for Real Madrid to sign another centre-back. They have been linked with a long list of names in recent times, including an unexpected Santiago Bernabeu return for Raphael Varane.
Fabrizio Romano has shed some light on the situation and has even given a special mention to Leny Yoro. As reported by CaughtOffside, the transfer guru wrote:
"My understanding is that there are no specific names yet but Real Madrid will keep discussing it and will decide soon, the decision involves also Carlo Ancelotti so let’s see what they decide to do. There are many interesting players around, but in January it’s very difficult to find cheap opportunities. I personally love Lille’s impressive young centre-back Leny Yoro – he’s a top talent, but expensive."
Fabrizio Romano tips €50m centre-back for Real Madrid
Yoro is just 18 years of age but is already playing regular first-team football for Lille. He has managed to impress a lot of people with his performances.
Only OGC Nice have conceded less goals than Lille in Ligue 1 this season till now. Thus, Yoro is certainly doing a commendable job at the back for the French club as they challenge for Champions League qualification spots.
There have been suggestions that it could take a transfer fee in the region of €50 million to convince Lille to part ways with the wonderkid. Would Real Madrid be open to making a move of that magnitude in January?