Real Madrid fans were disheartened to hear the unfortunate news of Nacho Fernandez' departure this week. However, it must be said that this decision was a long-time-coming. After all, the Real Madrid legend is beyond his best years, so now it is time for a fresh approach to the defence.
That said, is there any need for a player to come in to replace Nacho? The answer is a resounding yes as Carlo Ancelotti sees every need to reinforce his options in the backline for the upcoming 2024/25 season...
Fabrizio Romano reveals 18-year-old at top of Real Madrid transfer list
According to an update from the transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Carlo Ancelotti has one player in mind to replace Nacho Fernandez in the Real Madrid lineup. Romano claimed, via a short but sweet update on X (formerly Twitter) that Leny Yoro is at the top of Real Madrid's transfer list, in regard to replacing Nacho Fernandez.
🚨🟡⚫️ Al Ittihad are in advanced talks to sign Nacho as free agent from Real Madrid.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 13, 2024
NOT done yet but talks ongoing, as reported by L’Équipé tonight.
⚪️🇪🇸 Real Madrid wait for Nacho’s final communication but still expect him to leave since May — Leny Yoro, top of their list. pic.twitter.com/v9RWheXEEw
Leny Yoro is one of the best defenders in Europe currently and given his age, it is no surprise that he is a prized asset in the transfer market. He is still just 18 years old, but showing every potential that he can reach world class quality later on in his career.
The centre-back started 30 Ligue 1 matches for LOSC Lille last season. He also started 3 Conference League matches, so he has invaluable European experience already at this stage of his career.
Currently, Real Madrid have three out-and-out centre backs heading into the 2024/25 season, given that Nacho hasn't extended his stay. Antonio Rudgier ages at 31 years old, David Alaba (currently injured) ages at 31 years old and Eder Miltao is the current youngest at 26.
READ MORE: Real Madrid put academy graduate on transfer list for just €10m
Given that every one of Real Madrid's defenders are playing in the peak stages of their career, it is refreshing to see Carlo Ancelotti potentially invest into a project player such as Leny Yoro. While Yoro has every ability to start matches for Real Madrid, he will be seen as a player for the future.
After all, Carlo Ancelotti is in no immediate rush to strengthen his lineup. The squad he has available to him is nearly perfect, but strengthening for the future is a practice which will reward Real Madrid for the long-term. Strategic and prudent thinking is a common practice under the tutelage of Florentino Perez, after all.
Do you think Real Madrid should sign Leny Yoro?