Last week, it was widely reported that Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez would be leaving at the end of the season, having taken the decision not to sign a new contract, despite one being made available to him. The 34-year-old will depart in the summer as a free agent, ending his 23-year association with Los Blancos.
A replacement will be required, with Real Madrid only having Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba as natural centre-backs in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. The expectation has been that Rafa Marin, currently on loan at Alaves, will fill that role, but they could go out a sign a new defender instead.
According to Bild, one option that Real Madrid are keen on is AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw. The 22-year-old, who has a market value of €30m, has grown in stature since joining the Rossoneri in 2022, and he is seen as a regular starter for them.
It’s claimed that Real Madrid are “intensively interested” in Thiaw. He could be a fine addition to Ancelotti’s squad, and although he does fit the club’s signing policy, it does seem that a more likely addition would be Lille’s Leny Yoro, if indeed Los Blancos do try to sign a centre-back in the summer.