Real Madrid’s Back Line Potential Upgrades

On paper, there is no doubt that Real Madrid has one of the best teams in the world. They won the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League and brought in the world’s best forward on a free this past summer.

The results from this season surprisingly say something different.

After a strong start winning the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta and a win in the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final, it all went downhill. Real Madrid were pounded 5-2 against FC Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final. Then, the club didn’t finish in an automatic qualifier in the UCL and gave up an eight point lead to Barça in La Liga.

The main problem in this campaign for Los Merengues is their lack of quality in depth. Injuries to Madrid’s back line exposed it this season.

As Madrid are expected to make over €1.1 billion in revenue this year, it is safe to say that they can spend money on transfers this summer. With Los Blancos’ defense needing the most help, here are the potential targets they can go after for the upcoming campaign.

Right Back

The main position Real Madrid needs an upgrade in is at right back. When Dani Carvajal went down with an ACL injury against Villareal back in Oct., makeshift fullback Lucas Vázquez was forced to step up.

This hasn’t worked out for Los Merengues. Vazquez isn’t performing well against quality opposition which left Carlo Ancelotti no choice but to bench him for Fede Valverde. It has gotten to the point where the right back’s legacy at the club may have been stained.

This summer, there are heavy rumors of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid on a free transfer. If the 26-year-old fullback joins, Los Blancos would have the position covered for the next five years.

Also, Carvajal was given a one-year extension after suffering the season-ending injury. This gives Madrid sufficient depth and allows Alexander-Arnold to potentially play in the midfield as he has done for Liverpool. If an injury were to occur, Madrid would be in good hands.

Center Back

With David Alaba aging and Éder Militão suffering back-to-back injuries, Los Blancos need a new central defender. Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is the man for the job.

With a rumored active release clause of €57 million, the 19-year-old starlet would be the perfect addition for Madrid. He has played nearly 30 matches for the Cherries scoring twice and assisting once.

His ability to play out of the back and split the midfield lines to further the attack is something Los Merengues do not have in the back line.

Also, Madridistas have been calling for more Spaniards to be at the club. A center back partnership of Huijsen and Raúl Asencio would not only be Madrid’s back line for the future, but also for the Spanish national team. This is a match made in heaven.

Left Back

Another possible Spanish addition would be Miguel Gutiérrez from Girona FC. The former Madridista was sold to Los Blanquivermells for just €4 million in Aug. 2022.

It is rumored that Girona left back Miguel Gutiérrez may end up back in the Spanish capital.

Since then, the Spaniard has accumulated 110 appearances, six goals and 19 assists for Girona. He was a vital part of the club’s previous La Liga campaign where they finished third in the table securing Champions League football.

Currently, Real Madrid’s left backs are not up to par. Fran García has left holes in the back while Ferland Mendy doesn’t offer much offensively. Eduardo Camavinga has even stepped in at left back this season against Real Sociedad and was dominated by Take Kubo.

If Madrid does go after Gutiérrez, they will have the option to activate his buy back clause which is rumored to be around €8 million, double what the club sold him for. Los Blancos most recently did this with Garcia before the 2023/24 season. It’s safe to say it hasn’t worked out.

Maybe this time Gutiérrez is the answer.

Final Push

Although it isn’t looking great for Real Madrid in the Champions League, not all hope is lost. Players are starting to return from injury. This is a big boost as Los Blancos can still win silverware this season via the Copa Del Rey. The club is yet again in another final against Barcelona where Madrid will be seeking out revenge.

Also, Los Merengues are four points under their Catalan rivals in the La Liga table. With eight games remaining, you never know what can happen.