Real Madrid, PSG defensive target could cost up to €40-50 million next summer | OneFootball

Eder Militao’s injury early on in the season brought a cloud of uncertainty around Real Madrid’s defensive situation. The club have bounced back since and recorded stunning defensive numbers so far this campaign, yet cannot help but feel understaffed in central defence.

That, coupled with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba’s age, necessitates the signing of a new young centre-back to take over as the team’s long-term mainstay. Word has it in France that Los Blancos have found their target in Ligue 1.

Spotlight on Lille

According to reports from L’Equipe (h/t Madrid Xtra), Real Madrid are very interested in signing Lille’s young centre-back Leny Yoro.

They see him as one of the brightest young defensive prospects and a long-term asset.

The 18-year-old has become a mainstay in the Ligue 1 side’s dynamics this season and has started 11 of Lille’s 13 games in the league so far. In that duration, he has recorded six clean sheets and averages 1.1 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 3.3 clearances and 3.8 duels won per game.

Notably, he records 4.1 ball recoveries per game and has even scored twice for Paulo Fonseca’s side.

Yoro’s impressive form has not gone unnoticed by the rest of Europe’s elite, however, with the French outlet adding that Paris Saint-Germain and several Premier League clubs are also lining up at his doorstep.

His price next summer, thus, could be between €40 million to €50 million.

Defensive revamp

While Real Madrid are eyeing Leny Yoro as their next big centre-back, it is not the only defensive department they are looking to fortify next summer.

For starters, Los Blancos have their eye on Chelsea’s homegrown leader Reece James as their next right-back to take over the reins from Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez.

Further, Alphonso Davies is on their agenda as well as one of the team’s marquee signings for the summer.

The Canadian star will take over at left-back and Ancelotti will hope he can add the X factor down the flank, especially on counterattacks.