First Real Madrid transfer of 2025 'almost done' - Romano

Tom Weber

• Updated: 16 Dec 2024 11:58 CST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid are on the verge of signing Leganes youngster Lamini Fati, according to Spanish media and Fabrizio Romano.

Los Blancos have endured a bit of a defensive crisis this season due to injuries to key players. In the summer, Real Madrid refrained from signing a centre-back after missing out on Leny Yoro and it eventually came back to bite them.

Eder Militao suffered his second ACL injury in as many seasons, while David Alaba is still recovering from his own ACL tear and this has forced Real Madrid to call up Castilla defender Raul Asencio to the senior side.

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The 21-year-old has certainly impressed and is in line for a new and improved contract, but Real Madrid know that this does not fully guard them against any future problems and are determined to bolster their defensive ranks in 2025.

As a result, the first defensive signing of the new year is already being tied up, albeit he will not be an immediate first-team reinforcement.

Real Madrid to sign Fati

According to Relevo and since confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are close to tying up a deal for Leganes prospect Lamini Fati. A centre-back by trade, the 18-year-old is set to first and foremost strengthen the club's U19 side before eventually making the step up to the Castilla team and then the seniors.

The Spanish champions are set to pay just €100,000 for the talented youngster and personal terms with Fati have already been agreed. Should he prove ready, he could be a welcome addition for Real Madrid Castilla, who are struggling in the Spanish third tier this season.

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Real Madrid already have a highly-rated teenage centre-back on their books in Joan Martinez, but he too suffered an ACL injury that derailed what was set to be the 17-year-old's first season in and around the first team.

If Martinez and new signing Fati can live up to their potential, Real Madrid's backline looks well-stocked for the future, though the club will still look for a more immediate defensive reinforcement.