According to MARCA, Eder Militao’s latest long-term injury has significantly altered Real Madrid’s planning for their defence.
As soon as the severity of the setback became clear, much of the club’s strategy for the centre-back position was effectively discarded.
Transfer Plans, renewals and uncertainty
Before the injury, Real Madrid had a relatively defined structure for next season. Militao and Dean Huijsen were expected to be key pillars, Antonio Rudiger was set to be offered a contract renewal, and David Alaba was not expected to continue beyond his contract.
Meanwhile, Raul Asencio had been considered transferable, with his potential sale seen as a way to fund the signing of a top-level central defender.
Additional options such as Jacobo Ramon, currently performing well at Como and with a buy-back clause, as well as academy players like Joan Martínez, Diego Aguado and Victor Valdepenas, were also part of the broader strategy.
However, Militao’s injury has changed that outlook completely. The concern is no longer just the recovery timeline, but whether he will return to his previous level and maintain long-term competitiveness.
Asencio’s exit on hold for now. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
With one of the defensive cornerstones now uncertain, Real Madrid may need to consider more than just their planned marquee signing.
Renewing Rudiger has become a priority. At the same time, the potential sale of Asencio is expected to be put on hold, as will any departures involving academy players such as Joan Martínez, Aguado and Valdepenas.
All three have attracted interest, but the club is reluctant to weaken its depth until the defensive situation is stabilised.
Jacobo Ramon to return?
In addition, the report states that the possible return of Jacobo Ramon could also be accelerated as a short-term reinforcement ahead of the summer.
The former La Fabrica graduate has been excelling since joining Como last summer and much like with Nico Paz, Real Madrid have a buyback clause for him for the next three summers.
And, considering how things are going with Militao, with him unlikely to return until September or October, the possibility of bringing Ramon back as early as this summer, instead of waiting until 2027, which was the initial plan, is being studied at Valdebebas.
