Real Madrid UPSET Ronaldo to fix Ancelotti's biggest issue

Tom Weber

• Updated: 25 Oct 2024 11:59 BST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid are set to frustrate club legend Cristiano Ronaldo with a January swoop for Al-Nassr teammate Aymeric Laporte, according to Spanish media.

Los Blancos' injury crisis is not relenting, with Carlo Ancelotti having to make do without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and attacker Rodrygo in El Clasico against Barcelona on Saturday.

However, the most worrying department has actually been the defence. Eder Militao returned from an ACL tear earlier this year, but in his place, highly-rated youngster Joan Martinez and right-back Dani Carvajal are now sidelined with the same problem.

David Alaba, who has been out for ten months, is still recovering and there have even been claims that he could retire due to complications, though these suggestions have been dismissed.

Still, the fact of the matter is that the burden on Antonio Rudiger, Militao and stand-in centre-back Aurelien Tchouameni is massive, with Real Madrid set for an unprecedented number of games this season.

Real Madrid eye Laporte

As such, Real Madrid continue to be linked with defenders, particularly centre-backs, who could act as January reinforcements. One name that refuses to go away is that of Aymeric Laporte.

The former Man City star is now marshalling Al-Nassr's defence in Saudi Arabia as they attempt to finally dethrone Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal. Cristiano Ronaldo's side are currently four points off top spot and losing Laporte would be a major blow despite the Spaniard frequently criticising the Saudi Pro League.

Despite Ancelotti downplaying the chances of Real Madrid signing a defender in January, AS reports that Laporte is a genuine option, just as he already was in the summer window.

However, the 30-year-old is not the only player under consideration. It is asserted that Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on a number of younger players such as Palmeiras wonderkid Vitor Reis, Chelsea exile Josh Acheampong - though he is more of a right-back - and Velez Sarfield's Valentin Gomez.