If Real Madrid wish to sign an Athletic Bilbao legend from Cristiano Ronaldo's team, they must pay €30m. However, he is an undesirable option.
Real Madrid have several players out injured. Unfortunately, the latest to join the bunch is a serious injury sustained by Eder Militao. As a result, the Brazil international is ruled out for an entire season.
This leaves Antonio Rudiger as the only mature option within the centre back ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu. Raul Asencio played well when replacing the injured Eder at the weekend, however, he is not up to scratch to play the remainder of the season.
Therefore, Real Madrid have been linked to a move for a centre back in the January transfer window.
Real Madrid must pay €30m to replace Eder Militao with undesirable option
One of those players linked to Real Madrid is Aymeric Laporte. Real Madrid fans will recognise his name as he is an Athletic Bilbao legend and he also played for Man City.
Currently, he is playing for Al-Nassr, alongside Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo. However, if Real Madrid wish to bring him to the Spanish capital, then they must pay €30m.
According to MARCA, Al-Nassr are asking for €30m for Aymeric Laporte to be sold. Considering they signed him for €27m, they would not like to accept any financial loss and instead, the Saudi side is wanting to make a profit.
Therefore, this makes Aymeric Laporte a less desirable option. He is ageing, which doesn't align with Real Madrid's transfer quota. In recent seasons, Los Blancos have only signed young players, with an eye on the future.
With that in mind, beggars cannot be choosers. Real Madrid's situation is severe and it should be a matter of when, not if, they sign a centre back. While Real Madrid hold their values close to their hearts, they cannot let brilliant options escape them through refusing to swallow their pride.