Dean Huijsen is set to join Real Madrid to strengthen the centre-back position that has been plagued by injuries for the past two seasons.
Real Madrid have been hit with numerous problems in the department – three cruciate ligament tears, three meniscus surgeries, and hip issues have all affected the club’s central defenders.
As a result, doubts persist over the reliability of Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Eder Militao – all of whom are currently injured, leaving their short-term futures uncertain.
Another centre-back not ruled out
As such, MARCA reports that there is growing consideration within Real Madrid that signing Huijsen alone may not be enough and that another centre-back might be needed.
Militao’s fitness remains a question mark after all recovering from two cruciate ligament tears is no small feat. Meanwhile, Rudiger has played the entire season with various physical issues, not limited to his knee.
As for Alaba, with one year left on his contract, Real Madrid are leaving it up to the Austrian to decide what he wants.
Real Madrid’s youth academy does offer both quality and quantity in central defence with names like Jacobo Ramon, Joan Martinez, Diego Aguado, Mario Rivas, and Victor Valdepenas all coming through.
As such, the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States will act as a testing ground. It will provide clarity on the physical condition of the senior defenders and an opportunity to assess how much the youngsters can contribute.
A decision on adding another defender along with Huijsen will then be made based on how things go in the USA.
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