Real Madrid's new era with Jose Mourinho is going to start fairly soon. No one knows when, especially with this forthcoming election process, but if Florentino Perez, it will be announced pretty much right after.
Whether he would still be signed if Perez loses - and if Perez loses at all - are separate discussions, but there is a good chance of the return of The Special One.
Obviously, if the coach returns - and even if he does not - the club would need to sign defensive reinforcements. Real Madrid need some. Desperately, I might add.
There is one player that not many people are talking about when it comes to Real Madrid signing defensive reinforcements, and it is actually one of their own.
Real Madrid have another intriguing CB option available for Jose Mourinho
Rafa Marin was one of the most promising central defenders to come out of the youth academy. He had a good time at Alaves, before moving to Napoli, where he struggled to get game time.
This season, Marin has played 23 games in the league for Villarreal, and has ammassed almost 2,000 minutes. Good numbers, even more so for a team that has finished above Atletico Madrid in third place.
He has always been a really promising defender, and with continuity, he will keep improving.
According to AS, Real Madrid still have two buy-back clauses for Rafa Marin. One of them is for this summer for 25 million euros, and the other one is for the next summer, for 35 million euros.
Real Madrid need central defenders, not just as starters but also as better options off the bench, especially with Raul Asencio's future being uncertain and David Alaba leaving. Eder Militao is also very injury prone, and if you include Asencio, there are only three reliable central defenders that Real Madrid have.
Marin would easily slot in as the fourth. You won't question his love for Real Madrid, as he was at the club for a while. He is also quite young, and would still keep improving under Mourinho.
Apart from Marin, Real Madrid would probably need to go for a more experienced, world-class central defender. Having him, Rudiger, Asencio, Huijsen and Marin as the main choices would be good, especially as Militao simply cannot be counted upon, as good as he is when he is fit.
It will be an entertaining summer for Real Madrid. Rudiger is not even confirmed to be a Real Madrid player next season, so it will be interesting what happens with everyone involved.
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