Real Madrid are in an interesting spot right now. The club have made two brilliant signings this summer, bringing in Kylian Mbappe as a free agent and Endrick in a €60 million deal that had been agreed in late 2022. The former is expected to be a starter from the off while the latter could be a key part of this team for years to come if his development goes according to plan.
But that does not mean that there are no other areas in the squad which Real Madrid need to address. Centre-back has to be near the top of that list.
Nacho Fernandez was a key player for Real Madrid last season. He has left this summer. On the other hand, Eder Militao returned from a long-term injury not too long ago and David Alaba is yet to recover. The hope is that the Austrian will be fit to feature before the end of the year.
That is not the ideal situation to be in. Yet, judging from Carlo Ancelotti's recent comments, it does not look like Real Madrid are planning to add a centre-back to their roster this summer.
Forgotten Real Madrid player could have bigger role next season
Leny Yoro and Riccardo Calafiori, both rumoured to be Real Madrid summer targets, have joined Manchester United and Arsenal, respectively. And if there is one thing Los Blancos have shown in recent years, it is that they do not make signings for the sake of it and have the patience to wait for the right players to become available.
In this season, Jesus Vallejo could end up having a bigger role in the team next season than anybody could have expected even a few weeks ago. There is certainly a role in the squad for him following the departure of Nacho.
Vallejo has barely featured for Real Madrid through the course of his career and some of his loan spells have not been particularly impressive either. He might get the chance to turn things around though.