Real Madrid have shown that they need players. Their squad is great - probably the best in the world, which has so many good midfielders - but there is clear work that is left. Real Madrid's squad is not perfect, and it remains to be seen how the club proceeds to strengthen the squad in the summer.
Real Madrid have shown interest in a bunch of defenders. Sometimes it is the right-back spot that needs some looking into, and on other occasions, Real Madrid have been reportedly looking at central defenders.
But it is clear that Real Madrid would only go for a player who fits their transfer strategy. They would only go for a player who fits the profile they are looking for, and is not too expensive. They have made it clear by not signing a number of players in the past for just a little extra money than what they wanted to offer.
According to a report by Jose Felix Diaz of MARCA, Real Madrid recently had the opportunity to sign Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji. The Swiss international was offered to Real Madrid, but they rejected him because he did not fit their transfer strategy.
Real Madrid were offered Manchester City's Manuel Akanji, but he was rejected
Real Madrid have been signing young players who are going to dominate Europe for the forseeable future. They have been signing players like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and potentially, Trent Alexander-Arnold soon.
Real Madrid will probably not go for a 29-year-old central defender who is not getting any better. He got injured against Real Madrid in the Champions League in February, and has not played since.
Akanji, whose contract expires in 2027, wants to leave Manchester City. According to the report, he wants a new challenge. However, it is unlikely that a new challenge will come in the form of Real Madrid.
If he had been a few years younger, I do reckon Real Madrid would have tried to sign him. They would only have made an exception to their strategy for a player as good as Antonio Rudiger or David Alaba. However, even they were a year younger than Akanji when they joined.
They need a central defender, but that need will not be fulfilled with Akanji.