Why Real Madrid haven’t signed their top CB target yet

Many Real Madrid fans were upset to see that the club did not sign a new center back following the ACL tear to David Alaba, given the club already lost Éder Militão to a torn ACL early in the season.

Although Militão could return from his injury before the end of the season, recent events have highlighted how much the loss of depth has hurt the Merengues in 2023/24.

Real Madrid recently dropped points to rivals Atlético Madrid over the weekend, surrendering a late goal to their former midfielder Marcos Llorente.

That goal would have been prevented with a true center back, as Antonio Rüdiger was unable to take the field due to an injury. The Merengues are hoping the club at least signs a top young CB in the 2024 summer window.

Leny Yoro has been tabbed as one of the top options available for the club, joining Primeira Liga stars António Silva and Gonçalo Inácio as potential dream targets.

According to a report from MARCA’s José Félix Díaz, Real Madrid have Yoro’s name at the top of their list of center back targets, but they are waiting to sign the Lille star because his price tag is too onerous.

Madridistas will actually be frustrated by this statement, too, because Yoro is obviously going to be expensive. On paper, he looks like the best center back money can buy.

At the age of 18, Yoro has already been one of the top performing defenders in French football, starting regularly for a Lille side that has allowed just 14 goals in 20 matches and is in the fight for a Champions League place.

Individually, Yoro is completing 91.6 percent of his passes with 1.3 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game. He’s even found the back of the net two times.

Real Madrid need to provide Militão with a top option, especially as Alaba continues to age and Nacho enters the twilight of his effective playing career in the Spanish capital. Yoro looks like an ideal option, even if he is costly.