Real Madrid are reportedly considering a January move to strengthen their defensive line, with Corinthians star Leo Santos on their shortlist.
Spanish publication MARCA are claiming that Real Madrid are desperate to add to their backline come January. Central defence is a priority area for January reinforcements, with the club shortlisting various names for the winter transfer window. Highly-rated Corinthians star Leo Santos is among the names being considered.
Santos is a product of the fabled Corinthians youth setup. The club is famous in Brazil for producing world-class talents with striking consistency. The 19-year-old joined the club at the age of 10 and made his senior pro debut at the age of 17 against Figueirense.
Now a regular starter at the back for Corinthians, Leo Santos has 13 league appearances this season and his performances are starting to attract interest from Europe, with Real Madrid named as an admirer by the Spanish publication.
Real Madrid are facing a tumultuous time under Julen Lopetegui. Despite a comfortable start, things have started to unravel quickly under the former Spain National Team manager, with a dry run in front of goal that has left Real Madrid winless in their last in their last 4 fixtures in all competitions.
While unable to score, their defence hasn’t exactly managed to provide some respite, leaking 5 goals in the 4 matches leading to defeats in 3 of those. Sergio Ramos has looked out of sorts while Marcelo and Dani Carvajal are recovering from injuries. The lack of depth and alternatives in central defence, and defence in general, is startling for a club of Real Madrid’s stature.
Jesus Vallejo has been unable to satiate the need for depth in the said position, with the academy graduate struggling to impress and string together a run of appearances for Real Madrid. With Sergio Ramos not at his best and Nacho having to be deployed on the left in Marcelo’s absence, Florentino Perez needs to add to the options in January.
Mario Hermoso has been coined as an alternative, with Real Madrid reserving the right to repurchase him, with the defender being a product of the club’s academy setup.
Santos could also be a good option. But, the 19-year-old does not have any top-tier experience in Europe, let alone in Spain and could take time to settle into the surroundings. Leo Santos might be on their shortlist. But, it doesn’t look like he will be the answer to Real Madrid’s problems, even if he does end up at the club.
