Five defenders Real Madrid should target this summer, including €50m-rated Premier League star | OneFootball

Real Madrid are in a crisis at the moment as they are the risk of ending the season trophyless.€€

Despite boasting a star-studded squad, Real have already fallen short in the Spanish Super Cup, Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Their final ray of hope is La Liga, but they are still trailing Barcelona by four points in the league table.

The chances of toppling their arch-rivals are looking slim, given the contrasting form of the two sides.

To make matters worse, Real’s injury list has also piled up in the space of a week.

Their defence, in particular, has been affected the most, with Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Not to mention, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are recovering from long-term injuries.

It leaves Raul Asencio as the only solid option in the backline, while Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to partner him as a makeshift defender –  which is not new to the Frenchman.

The defensive crisis may prompt Los Blancos to dip their toes in the transfer market, having been relatively quiet in the past windows.

Madrid are expected to part ways with the head coach Carlo Ancelotti this summer, and they should provide the necessary resources for the new manager to build a formidable side.

Here are the five defenders who could be great options for the Spanish giants

Dean Huijsen

One of the most sought-after players in Europe, Dean Huijsen is available for €50 million this summer.

The 19-year-old Spanish sensation has been phenomenal for Bournemouth this season, strengthening his status as one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Huijsen will be a perfect fit for Real, provided his young age and ceiling, but they face competition from European elites for his signature.

However, the Cherries defender’s dream to represent Los Blancos could hand them an edge in the transfer race.

William Saliba

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: William Saliba of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Real Madrid have identified William Saliba as one of their dream targets to strengthen their backline, but prising him away from Arsenal wouldn’t be an easy task.

It would be hard for any player to resist the overtures of Madrid, but the Gunners will go to lengths to keep hold of him.

The French centre-back is arguably one of the best defenders in the world, growing by leaps and bounds at Arsenal with each passing season.

The Gunners are also preparing a lucrative contract extension for Saliba, who has publicly pledged his commitment to the Premier League giants.

Jonathan Tah

HAMBURG, GERMANY – APRIL 20: Jonathan Tah of Leverkusen in action during the Bundesliga match between FC St. Pauli 1910 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Millerntor Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Jonathan Tah is also one of the players to watch in the transfer market after he revealed that he will not extend his contract with Leverkusen.

It means the German defender will become a free agent at the end of the season.

Barcelona have been touted as the frontrunners to sign Tah for a long time, but their interest has reportedly subsided.

It gives an opportunity for Madrid to pounce on Tah, who is keen on playing in La Liga.

The 29-year-old is a well-rounded centre-back due to his sturdy nature and excellent passing abilities.

Madrid struck gold a few years ago by signing Rudiger for free, and they can replicate it with his compatriot this summer.

Castello Lukeba

LEIPZIG, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 09: Castello Lukeba of Leipzig in actio during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC St. Pauli 1910 at Red Bull Arena on February 09, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Talking about the best defensive prospects in Europe, it is hard to leave RB Leipzig’s Castella Lukeba out of the conversation.

The 22-year-old has caught everyone’s attention with his phenomenal growth at Leipzig over the past couple of seasons.

Lukeba’s excellent ball progression abilities, coupled with good reading of the game, make him a lethal centre-back.

His stock has also exponentially grown, with Leipzig inserting a release clause worth €90m in his contract.

Real haven’t shied away from splurging on the prodigious talents, and they could strengthen their French contingent with Lukeba.

Piero Hincapie

HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY – APRIL 05: Piero Hincapie of Bayer 04 Leverkusen in action during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Voith-Arena on April 05, 2025 in Heidenheim, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

Piero Hincapie has been at the heart of Bayer Leverkusen’s defence, helping the German giants reach unprecedented heights last year.

The Ecuadorian is a top-quality progressive passer and carrier, and his defensive numbers are also among the best.

The 23-year-old has a release clause worth €60 million and is reportedly open to leaving Leverkusen for a top club this summer.

His disciplinary records aside, Real can secure the future of their defence with Hincapie’s signing.