Real Madrid need some good defenders. Dean Huijsen has already started justifying his price tag and can easily be predicted to become one of the most consistent and talented players in the upcoming season.
Raul Asencio, on the other hand, has been erratic at times, but remains a solid starter nonetheless. All others, though, fall short.
Antonio Rudiger is returning from a long-delayed surgery, and his form is far from guaranteed. In fact, he was already showing signs of decline even before the procedure.
Eder Militao is also expected to return soon, but a season-long injury may have caused a significant dip in his performance, something yet to be evaluated.
And as for David Alaba, there's little left to say. He has become one of the biggest liabilities in the defense. The sooner Madrid can let him go, the better, provided it's done in a feasible and mutually agreeable way.
All of this points to one simple truth: Los Blancos desperately need a reliable backup at centre-back.
Having to keep calling Aurelien Tchouameni back to cover in central defense every time someone goes down with a knock is doing more harm than good. It disrupts his own development and exposes the club to unnecessary risk from not signing a proper backup.
Real Madrid let former Castilla defender join another club with their green light
Remember Rafa Marin? Once one of the hottest La Fabrica talents, he even got some time with the first team. He moved to Napoli in 2024, where his minutes have been limited.
According to Marca, the player is now set to transfer to Villarreal, returning to La Liga. Real Madrid had the first right of refusal on the deal, a clause included in his transfer to Napoli, but chose not to exercise it.
While Marin hasn’t played much in Italy, his defensive solidity has never really been in doubt. Bringing him back could’ve offered a safe, decent backup option in central defense, but Madrid clearly didn’t find the idea convincing enough.
Of course, the club knows best. But having a young, reliable backup for two centre-backs coming off serious injuries wouldn’t have been the worst idea.