Top five centre-backs Real Madrid can target after missing out on Leny Yoro

After missing out on Leny Yoro, Real Madrid could explore the market for a new centre-back this summer.

Spanish giants Real Madrid have already kicked off their pre-season preparations as they look to dominate club football once again in the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.

Last season, Carlo Ancelotti’s side enjoyed a stellar campaign as they clinched the LaLiga and UEFA Champions League titles along with the Spanish Super Cup to complete an incredible treble of trophies.

After all their unbelievable success last campaign, Los Blancos completed the superstar signing of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer this summer following the expiration of his contract at PSG. In addition, Brazilian sensation Endrick also finally joined the club from Palmeiras.

However, after losing out on primary centre-back target Leny Yoro to Manchester United, Madrid will hope to find better value in other world-class defenders on the market. With that said, here are the five centre-backs Real Madrid can sign this summer:

5. William Saliba (Arsenal)

A signing that would secure Real Madrid’s centre-back position for the foreseeable future would be the recruitment of Arsenal’s stalwart defender William Saliba. In his last two seasons with the North London club, Saliba has cemented himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world.

In the 2023-24 campaign, the 23-year-old Frenchman made a staggering 50 appearances across all competitions for the club, while also contributing with two goals and one assist in the process. He carried his stellar form into Euro 2024, as he featured in all of France’s six matches during their semifinal run in the tournament.

In order to sign William Saliba from Arsenal this summer, Real Madrid would potentially have to break the world record fee for a defender to acquire his world-class services.

4. Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting Lisbon)

Gonçalo Inácio has been linked with a top club move for a while now. Real Madrid could prove to be the ideal destination this summer. Despite concrete interest from elite teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool, Inacio decided to continue his development at Sporting Lisbon.

Last season, the 22-year-old defender made 49 appearances across all competitions, registering four goals and one assist and guiding the club to league success in Portugal. His incredible performances earned him a well-deserved spot in Portugal’s final squad for Euro 2024.

With Gonçalo Inácio now finally ready for a big club move, Real Madrid could look to strike a quick deal this summer and sign a world-class defender for the long term.

3. Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)

One of the best defenders in world football currently has undoubtedly been Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni. Owing to his consistent rock-solid performances at the back, Bastoni has cemented himself as an instrumental player in all of Inter Milan’s recent success.

In the 2023-24 season, the 25-year-old centre-back made 37 appearances across all competitions, guiding the club to Serie A and Italian Super Cup glory. During Euro 2024, he also registered four appearances for the Italy national football team, scoring one goal in the process.

With his incredible skillset and experience at the top level, Alessandro Bastoni would prove to be the perfect addition to the Los Blancos backline this summer.

2. Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace)

Talented centre-back Marc Guéhi enjoyed a breakout campaign at both club and international level, as he looks all set for a big-money move to a top club this summer.

Last campaign, Guéhi made 29 appearances across all competitions for Crystal Palace, guiding the club to an impressive tenth-place finish in the Premier League. However, his defining moment came in Euro 2024, as he was consistently one of England’s standout performers throughout their incredible run to the final of the tournament.

With Jude Bellingham already at the club, Real Madrid could look to sign another world-class Englishman in the form of Marc Guéhi to further bolster their star-studded squad.

1. António Silva (SL Benfica)

Arguably one of the most talented centre-backs in the upcoming crop of defenders is Portuguese sensation António Silva. At just 20, Silva has already cemented himself as a regular first-team player for Benfica.

In the 2023-24 season, the 20-year-old defender made an incredible 50 appearances for the Portuguese side across all competitions, while also scoring two goals in the process. Owing to his stellar displays at club level, Silva was also called up by manager Roberto Martinez to be a part of Portugal’s final squad for Euro 2024.

Despite his young age, António Silva already has a wealth of top-level experience coupled with his unbelievable talent. If Real Madrid decide to sign him this summer, then all of his incredible attributes will undoubtedly make him a future Galactico.

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