Real Madrid fans hope that the club sign another centre-back in January. David Alaba has been ruled out for the rest of the season after tearing his ACL. It is unclear when Eder Militao will return either. That has left Carlo Ancelotti with only two options to pick from in the heart of defence, Antonio Rudiger and Nacho.
Rudiger has stepped up this season and is performing brilliantly. Nacho is a decent cover option as well. But that is not enough options, especially for the schedule that Real Madrid have.
Aurelien Tchouameni can play at centre-back if the situation calls for it. But it is not ideal to expect youngsters to deliver while playing out of position.
Considering Real Madrid's recent history, one should not expect them to splash out to sign a centre-back in January either. But perhaps it would make sense to go for a more economical option or try to sign someone on loan.
Real Madrid should consider signing Chelsea centre-back
Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea is expected to be available to move in January. He was expected to leave in the summer and was linked with clubs like Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur. An exit did not materialise though and he has not played a single minute of football so far this season.
Chalobah is a decent centre-back though. Chelsea had never lost a Premier League game with him playing until last season. Real Madrid are the only team to win against the Blues in the Champions League when the 24-year-old has started.
Now, Chalobah will perhaps never be a starting centre-back for Real Madrid. But he can definitely fill a squad position. He also has the versatility to play in a number of positions like right-back and defensive midfield.
So someone like Chalobah could be a decent addition to a squad lacking in options all over the pitch. If he is available on loan or for a bargain transfer fee, Real Madrid should definitely consider making a move in January.