Behind the scenes at the @lfcretail Christmas photo shoot this year 

Three possible January targets for Real Madrid to fill in for Eder Militao

After Eder Militao suffered a season-ending injury, Real Madrid was compelled to look for a replacement central defense during the winter transfer window.Since they acquired Reinier Jesus at the beginning of 2020, Real Madrid has not made any additions during the winter transfer window. Real Madrid typically completes the majority of their transfer business in the summer. However, after losing Eder Militao to a chronic knee ailment, it appears Real Madrid has no option but to go out on the market at the beginning of the year.

Even if the match against Osasuna went as planned and Los Blancos got back to winning ways after losing back-to-back games at the Bernabeu, it cost them dearly because Rodrygo, Lucas Vazquez, and Eder Militao were injured.

In a few weeks, Rodrygo and Vazquez will be back in action. However, Militao is expected to remain sidelined for some time due to a rupture of his right knee’s anterior cruciate ligament. The Brazilian, who had recovered from an ACL tear in his left knee during the end of the previous season, will be out until the summer of 2025.

Due to Eder Militao’s injury, Carlo Ancelotti is in a really tough spot because the Real Madrid manager only has two central defenders at his disposal: Antonio Rudiger and Jesus Vallejo. The last time David Alaba played for Los Blancos was in December 2023. The Austrian won’t return until the beginning of 2025 because he hasn’t fully recovered from his own ACL injury.

Joan Martinez, a 17-year-old defender who was anticipated to play a significant role in the first team, had an ACL injury prior to the season and may not be able to play again until March. Raul Asencio, 21, will remain a member of the senior squad after stepping up to support Los Blancos in the match against Espanyol.

However, the Merengues still lack the depth and skill necessary to compete with the top teams. Los Blancos might therefore try to sign a player who can assist them deal with Militao’s loss during the winter transfer window. Real Madrid may try to acquire these three players in January.

Laporte, AymericReal Madrid has long been mentioned in relation to Aymeric Laporte, and since Eder Militao’s injury, the rumors have became more intense. In the summer of 2023, Laporte moved from Manchester City to Al-Nassr, where he played for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 30-year-old has been among their most reliable players, and he undoubtedly has a number of years left in his career. According to recent sources, he is thinking about ending his contract with the Saudi Pro League team in order to make it easier for him to return to Europe, even though it is set to expire in the summer of 2026.

The best route for him to return will be to join Real Madrid, and according to a rumor, Los Blancos can sign him during the winter transfer window for between €15 and €20 million. However, in order to have this resolved, Laporte will need to reduce his wage demands.

The left-footed Spanish center-back, who is only 30, can be a fantastic addition for the upcoming campaigns. Real Madrid is now prepared to attack Al-Nassr after considering signing him in the summer.

Tah JonathanJonathan Tah has stated unequivocally that he will not sign a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen when his current one expires at the end of the current campaign. The 28-year-old is eager to take on a new task. Since he is expected to depart the team for nothing, Real Madrid might try to give the German team an alternative by paying to sign him during the winter transfer window.

With his reliable performances for Xabi Alonso’s squad, the German international has established himself. He worked incredibly hard for them last season, helping them win the Bundesliga without a loss. Despite his continued importance under Alonso, Leverkusen may decide to trade him in the middle of the season in order to raise money.

But since other Premier League teams, notably Liverpool, have their sights set on the Bayer Leverkusen staple, it won’t be that easy for Los Blancos to entice him. The seasoned German international has also been linked to Real Madrid’s bitter rivals, Barcelona.

Reis VitorReal Madrid’s scouting network is always keeping an eye out for promising young players who are rising through the ranks at South American teams, and they appear to have discovered another gem in Vitor Reis.

The teenage defensive star was elevated to the first team in the summer after rising through Palmeiras’ divisions. His steady efforts for their senior team have already earned him recognition.

Real Madrid could approach Palmeiras in the winter, even if they would have preferred to try to recruit him in the summer. It won’t be easy to sign him because the Brazilian team won’t let him go cheaply because he has a huge €100 million release clause and his contract expires in 2028.

Arsenal and Chelsea, who have recently scouted the young player, may even pose a threat to Los Blancos. Although the adolescent may not be Militao’s exact replacement, he may provide depth, and his future makes him a potentially excellent long-term addition.

Is Ramos coming back?Since Militao’s injury, Sergio Ramos, a free agent at the moment, has been linked to a return to the team in a number of stories. Even though he might be a fantastic temporary solution, Real Madrid does not want to re-engage players they have cut ties with. Until the end of the year, when they can attempt to sign their targets, their first objective will be to resolve the matter with the assistance of their academy players.

Additional long-term goalsCastello Lukeba, Alessandro Bastoni, and Cristian Romero are just a few of the players that Real Madrid has frequently been linked to. Despite the fact that all three of them are highly desired and might be Militao’s ideal replacement, neither of them will be accessible during the winter transfer window.

Los Blancos will have to wait until next summer before attempting to sign them by paying a hefty transfer price, considering how crucial they are to their current teams.