In recent weeks, there has been plenty of speculation surrounding Real Madrid's efforts (or lack thereof) to sign a new central defender. The departure of Nacho Fernandez and Rafa Marin left just three fit senior options – Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo. David Alaba is another, but he may not have completed his recovery from an ACL injury until the end of this year/2025.
The Blancos have missed out on top target Leny Yoro to Manchester United, and as a result, it has been widely reported that none will be pursued. Carlo Ancelotti has now confirmed this during his first press conference of the summer (via AS Diary), on the club's pre-season tour of the United States.
“The team is closed. Vallejo is back, Alaba is recovering. We have the youngsters: Giovanni, Jacobo and Raul (Asencio). No one will leave because everyone wants to stay.”
Ancelotti was also asked how his team would be affected by the absence of Toni Kroos, following the German maestro's retirement from professional football earlier this month.
“Vertical play is what we also want with Kroos. If you get to the opponent's half quickly, you have more chances to create problems for the opponent. Where does Bellingham play? The closer it is to the penalty area, the better. We have Modric, Tchouameni, Valverde… We have the idea to defend well and to repeat what we did well last year.
It is risky from Real Madrid not to sign a new central defender. They may have managed with just two fit players for a large part of last season, but that's not to say they can do it this time. At the same time, it would probably be foolish to doubt Florentino Perez and his vision.
