Real Madrid's Defensive Reinforcements: Xabi Alonso Seeks New Partner for Huijsen After Club World Cup Woes

Following their performance in the Club World Cup, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has identified key areas for improvement within his squad. A significant concern highlighted by the semi-final defeat to PSG is the need for a commanding presence in central defense. While Dean Huijsen has emerged as a promising certainty, the reliability of others like Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio has been questioned, Éder Militão is yet to consistently perform at an elite level, and David Alaba has unfortunately faced another injury setback. As a result, the summer transfer window will see Real Madrid prioritize the acquisition of a top-tier center-back to support Huijsen.

The Search for Defensive Strength

Real Madrid's scouting efforts are intensely focused on finding the right fit for their defensive line. Several prominent names are on their radar:

• Ibrahima Konaté: The 26-year-old French defender from Liverpool is a primary target. With his contract set to expire in just one season, Real Madrid, known for its expertise in securing high-profile players on free transfers, sees a potential opportunity. Scouts, led by Juni Calafat, are highly impressed by Konaté's physical strength and defensive prowess displayed since his arrival at Anfield. However, Liverpool is unwilling to let him go easily, reportedly setting a €50 million price tag for this summer. 
• William Saliba: Another formidable French defender, Saliba, currently at Arsenal, is also on Real Madrid's shortlist. His contract runs until mid-2027, a year after Konaté's, which aligns with Real Madrid's long-term plan of potentially acquiring players on free transfers. This possibility is already causing nervousness at the Emirates Stadium, as Saliba, at just 24, is considered one of the best center-backs globally and would leave Arsenal for free at the peak of his career. Arsenal is already initiating moves to extend his contract.
• Piero Hincapié: While not as prominent in the headlines as Konaté or Saliba, Bayer Leverkusen's Piero Hincapié is a plausible option. He was a favorite of Xabi Alonso during their time together at Leverkusen, a regular starter known for his speed, strong tackling, and excellent ball distribution. However, the Ecuadorian's contract with Leverkusen extends until 2029, making his signing a more complicated and likely expensive endeavor. 

Beyond the defensive pursuit, Real Madrid is also seeking a creative defensive midfielder to enhance ball circulation and rebuild the team's playmaking axis, a role once expertly filled by Toni Kroos. Arda Güler is reportedly being groomed for this task, though he is still in the early stages of his development. The coming weeks will be crucial as Real Madrid aims to address these identified weaknesses and build a squad capable of sustained success.