Real Madrid did not expect to be searching for options on the market in mid-July, but if, as seems likely, Leny Yoro signs for Manchester United, then that is exactly what they must do. Los Blancos are looking a little light in defence currently.
Yoro looks set to join Manchester United after they agreed a €50m fee with Lille which could rise to €62m, and are finalising the details on personal terms. It is believed he will earn significantly more than he would have at Real Madrid too.
However it does leave Los Blancos with Eder Militao, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Jesus Vallejo as options for central defenders. As per Alberto Pereiro of Onda Cero, Real Madrid will now go back into the transfer market to search for a solution. They were convinced that Yoro would end up signing for them this summer, and as a result, agreed to sell Rafa Marin to Napoli for €12m. It was likely he would have occupied a role in the squad if he had not moved and Yoro does not arrive. Nacho Fernandez has also departed.
El Madrid vendió a Rafa Marín pensando que firmaba sí o sí a Yoro
Ahora…. menuda averíaAl mercado. SE BUSCA CENTRAL @OndaCero_es
— Alberto Pereiro (@AlbertoPereiro) July 17, 2024
Vallejo is not part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans, and with Militao and Alaba coming of serious injuries (Alaba may be out deep into 2024), it is understandable Real Madrid will want some cover. That said, they could end up using Aurelien Tchouameni there, as Ancelotti did to great effect last season, although it is not the Frenchman’s preferred position.
