Real Madrid are weighing up the possibility of signing Serbian defender Nikola Maksimovic on a free transfer as Carlo Ancelotti eyes reinforcements.
According to a report from Spanish publication Defensa Central, Real Madrid are considering making a move for former Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic as they seek to bolster their backline this summer.
Real Madrid are in a tricky situation with regard to their defence. The Merengues have been dealt with a double blow as former captain Sergio Ramos has left the club for Paris Saint-Germain after his contract was allowed to run down while heir apparent Raphael Varane is also on his way out, with a move to Manchester United all but completed.
This has left manager Carlo Ancelotti in a bit of a pickle as he now has only Eder Militao, Nacho and David Alaba as his frontline defensive options, amongst whom, Nacho is not getting any younger. Jesus Vallejo is back from loan but might not get an opportunity while youngsters like Victor Chust and Mario Gila lack the experience to slot into the side on a regular basis right away.
But with the finances being as they are, Real Madrid cannot afford to splurge on a new defender heavily as they are also in need of bolstering their midfield and attack. As a result, Los Blancos are now looking at the free-agent market, much like their arch-rivals, Barcelona, did earlier this summer, with Nikola Maksimovic emerging as a candidate.
The 29-year-old Serbian defender is currently unattached after having been released by Napoli at the end of the last month. Prior to that, Maksimovic five years on the books at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, although he did have a couple of loan spells away at Torino and Spartak Moscow.
As for his time with the Partenopei, the 25-time capped Serbian international featured 99 times, scoring and assisting a couple of goals each. While he might not be the most attractive name, Maksimovic is a player that Ancelotti knows well from his time in Naples and could find a use for him in the squad at Real Madrid, considering that the 29-year-old can double up as a right-back as well.
Apart from Maksimovic, Real Madrid are also looking at ex-Arsenal defender David Luiz as an option. It remains to be seen if the Merengues make a move to secure the former Napoli man’s services on a free transfer or explore other alternatives.
