Real Madrid handed €100 million January transfer blow

If Real Madrid could make just one signing in the winter, most fans would want the club to bring in another centre-back. The club's options there are limited at the moment. David Alaba has been ruled out for the rest of the season and it is possible that Eder Militao might not feature anytime soon either, with both suffering ACL injuries. That has left Antonio Rudiger and Nacho as the only fit centre-backs available to Carlo Ancelotti.

Nacho did not feel anybody with confidence either, when he got sent off in the recent match against Alaves. And there is always the possibility of further injuries.

Taking everything into consideration, it would make sense for Real Madrid to sign another centre-back. Now, it remains to be seen whether they do that in January or not.

They have been linked with a number of centre-backs in recent times. One of the most high-profile names on that list is that of Antonio Silva. But it has been made clear that the Portuguese international will not be leaving Benfica in the middle of the season.

Real Madrid handed €100 million January transfer blow

As reported by AS, Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt said at a press conference about Silva:

"We will not let António Silva leave. We are halfway through the season and we have big objectives with Benfica."

Of course, nothing should ever be ruled out in football. Benfica had a similar stance with Enzo Fernandez last January as well, with the Argentine fresh off winning the World Cup. Ultimately, he did end up joining Chelsea.

But it is hard to see Real Madrid making that kind of a push in the middle of the season. Silva's release clause is believed to be set around €100 million.

It is much more likely that Real Madrid would try to look for a short-term solution for their problem. Keep an eye out on possible loan deals next month.