This is how Real Madrid could line up in defense for the next decade

Real Madrid’s reported interest in Nico Schlotterbeck, the 26-year-old German international, shows that the club’s transfer plans are quietly taking shape for the next window. Despite adding Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras, the backline remains the hottest spot on the roster.

A defense in need of an upgrade

The club’s defensive rebuild actually began last summer with the signing of Dean Huijsen, for whom Real Madrid paid Bournemouth’s €58 million ($63 million) release clause. The center-back position urgently needs reinforcement, as two key players, David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger, have proven difficult to rely on consistently. Adding to the challenge, Éder Militão is recovering from surgery on both knees and continues to face complications in his rehab. With that picture in mind, Madrid must look both to the transfer market and within its own ranks.

Homegrown hopes

Beyond Raúl Asencio, the club is counting on 18-year-old Joan Martínez to step up. Martínez suffered a serious knee injury two summers ago during a preseason match in the United States. At the time, he was ahead of Asencio in the pecking order. Now fully recovered, the club trusts he can contribute to the first team.

Attention also falls on Jacobo Ramón, who has been having a stellar season with Como in Italy. Madrid sold the 21 year old for €2.5 million ($2.95 million) but can bring him back for €8 million ($9.4 million). This season, Jacobo has already appeared in 25 top-flight matches, 23 in Serie A and three in the Coppa Italia. His performances have drawn high praise, and Madrid sees him as a realistic option alongside Martínez.

Aging stars and contract questions

Rüdiger, 32, and Alaba, 33, are both out of contract this summer and appear likely to leave. Both arrived on free transfers and performed excellently, but after recent injuries, the club considers their contributions largely maximized. Alaba, in particular, seems further along in that assessment. Following his latest knee injury, the Austrian has struggled with continuity due to recurring muscle problems, and it seems unlikely Madrid will offer him a new deal. Sources close to the player tell AS that, as of now, he has not received a call from the club to negotiate.

Alaba also comes with one of the highest salaries on the squad, reportedly €10.5 million ($12.38 million) annually. That figure was confirmed through Football Leaks, which also revealed he received a $19 million signing bonus, while his agent, Pini Zahavi, earned $5.6 million, and his father $6.7 million.

Rüdiger’s situation is similar, though the German defender still has potential leverage due to his consistent performances and leadership in the locker room. His future will largely depend on whether he can maintain fitness and play regularly through the end of the season. Like Alaba, he has yet to receive a formal call from Madrid, with the club indicating discussions would happen later in the campaign.

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