Real Madrid has begun its efforts to sign a new defender during the upcoming transfer window, in an attempt to address the decline in the defense's performance this season. The Spanish club's management has identified Tottenham and Argentina star Cristian Romero as one of its main targets to enhance defensive stability before the new season starts.
Concerning Defensive Numbers Prompting Action
Real Madrid's interest in signing a new defender came after a noticeable decline in the team's defensive performance, which was clearly evident during the UEFA Champions League, where they conceded 12 goals in 8 matches. The team also allowed 18 goals in 23 matches in La Liga, raising concerns among the coaching staff and management about the solidity of the backline.
These concerns intensified after the loss to Benfica with a score of 4-2 in a notable European match, revealing clear defensive gaps that prompted the management to seek urgent solutions to support the team in front of Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Initial Negotiations with Tottenham for Romero
According to Spanish media reports, Real Madrid officials have entered discussions with English club Tottenham to explore the possibility of signing Cristian Romero before the upcoming season and before the player joins the Argentina national team for the 2026 World Cup.
The club's management has increasingly recognized the need to strengthen the defense in light of the declining performances of some defenders, such as Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Raúl Asensio, which has posed clear challenges for the coaching staff led by Álvaro Arbeloa in maintaining defensive balance.
Romero as a Preferred Option to Enhance Defensive Stability
Romero is highly regarded in football circles, known for his defensive solidity and ability to impose marking and strong tackles, in addition to his international experience with the Argentina national team. He also played a significant role in Tottenham's victory in the UEFA Europa League last season, which was a historic achievement for the London club.
Other Options Appear Complicated for the Spanish Club
Given the difficulty of signing prominent defensive names like Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, or Ibrahima Konaté, Real Madrid has focused on Romero as a more realistic option to strengthen the defense in preparation for the upcoming season, as part of a plan to restore balance to the team and compete for domestic and continental titles.