Real Madrid defender close to joining Napoli | OneFootball

The Real Madrid team for the upcoming 2024-25 season will be significantly different from the team that had a very successful 2023-24 season, in which they won the UEFA Champions League and the La Liga titles.

The veteran midfielder, Toni Kroos has already announced his retirement from professional football at the end of EURO 2024, while the club has also confirmed Nacho’s departure after 23 years at the Merengue club. Joselu is also unlikely to continue with Los Blancos after his unforgettable loan stint and can join a club in Qatar.

On the other hand, Real Madrid have also announced the signing of Kylian Mbappe. But with the departure of Nacho, and the injury to Alaba, the Merengues’ backline is thinly spread at the moment.

Previously, it was expected that Rafa Marin, who impressed during his last season on loan at Alaves, might stay to provide a defensive option for Carlo Ancelotti. However, he has also been linked with a move away from the club and, according to the latest report from Mundo Deportivo, is close to joining the Italian side, Napoli.

The La Fabrica graduate is expected to leave €15 million in Real Madrid’s coffers to play under Antonio Conte next season, as he is going to sign a long contract with the Naples club.

This agreement is expected to be finalised in the coming days, and the European champions will keep a buyback clause in Marin’s contract to ensure they do not completely lose out on a promising defender. For now, it is only this issue that is keeping the contract from being finalised.

But with Nacho and Marin’s departures, Real Madrid will have only four centre-backs in the first team. Leny Yoro can join up in the coming weeks and months, while Jesus Vallejo, who is also returning from his loan, will also be a part of the team for the upcoming preseason.