According to reports from Live Cricket BPL, Real Madrid is grappling with a series of challenges this season, particularly in managing injuries and player rotations. With Kylian Mbappé’s recent dip in form and mounting off-field distractions, team morale and performance have taken a hit. Meanwhile, manager Carlo Ancelotti is under mounting pressure from both fans and the board. The center-back position has become especially problematic, with Éder Militão sidelined due to a long-term injury, leaving the defensive line severely undermanned.
Barcelona’s recent unexpected slip-up in La Liga has slightly narrowed the points gap, giving Real Madrid a window of opportunity to regain momentum. This also opens the door for adjustments in the upcoming winter transfer window. Given their current shortage at center-back, Real Madrid is prioritizing defensive reinforcements. Their top target is Aymeric Laporte, the 30-year-old Spanish international who previously spent years at Manchester City and now plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Although Laporte has maintained solid form in the Saudi Pro League—making 15 appearances and scoring 3 goals—he reportedly feels unsettled and is eager to return to top-tier European football to pursue greater challenges.
From Madrid’s perspective, Laporte is an ideal fit. Live Cricket BPL sources highlight his Champions League and national team experience, physical presence, aerial dominance, and passing skills—all of which align perfectly with Ancelotti’s tactical system. With Militão out, Madrid urgently needs a ready-made, elite defender to stabilize the backline.
However, the transfer is far from straightforward. Al Nassr has set a €30 million price tag for Laporte, despite Transfermarkt valuing him at only €20 million. The Saudi club originally signed him for €27.5 million in 2023, so a €30 million sale would yield a modest profit. Nonetheless, the high transfer fee combined with Laporte’s substantial wages complicates negotiations.
Laporte’s exit from Manchester City was partially due to salary disagreements, and his current contract in Saudi Arabia reportedly includes a lucrative annual salary. For a fiscally conservative club like Real Madrid, paying premium fees for a player over 30 clashes with their long-standing transfer policy.
If Madrid fails to secure Laporte, they may have to resort to Plan B, although no clear alternative has been confirmed. Relying on youth academy players to fill such a crucial role is a risky move for a club with championship ambitions. Instead, they might look at veteran defenders nearing contract expiration or pursue a short-term loan option. Still, none of these alternatives offer the same immediate impact Laporte would bring.
The club’s leadership now faces a pivotal decision. While the season started strong, mounting injuries—especially on defense—have taken their toll. If Real Madrid chooses not to reinforce during the winter window, pushing through with the current squad could increase injury risks and hurt their performance in both La Liga and the Champions League.
On the other hand, breaking with tradition to sign a seasoned defender might be the key to securing silverware this season. Laporte’s transfer, however, hinges on whether he’s willing to accept a pay cut to return to European competition. Real Madrid is unlikely to match his Saudi-level salary, and if no compromise is reached, the deal could collapse entirely.
Even so, the situation is not beyond salvation. With timely reinforcements, Real Madrid still has the quality and pedigree to compete at the highest level. Top clubs often find a way through adversity. For now, Laporte remains the most desirable solution in Ancelotti’s eyes—but it will come down to Real Madrid’s willingness to negotiate and adapt. In the meantime, Live Cricket BPL analysts suggest Ancelotti will need to refine his tactics and maximize his current squad’s potential to weather this challenging stretch.