Real Madrid add Tottenham star to list of targets as they look to sign backup for key defenders: Reports

Real Madrid have reportedly added Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven to their list of targets as they work towards signing a backup for their key defenders. Notably, Los Blancos have lost Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal to long-term injuries, pushing them to make moves in the winter transfer window.

In the summer of 2024, they signed players like Endrick from Palmeiras and Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. However, they decided against signing defensive-minded players. They tried to sign Leny Yoro, who opted to join Manchester United instead.

This has come back to bite them, as they have up to four defenders, including Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal out injured. However, the centre of the defense has limited backup options with Militao and Alaba out. According to Relevo (via GOAL), Real Madrid have turned to the transfer market to sign Micky van de Ven as a backup option to the two key defenders.

With Alaba reportedly out until the start of February and Militao missing out on the entire season, there will be ample playing time for Van de Ven. However, the Dutchman is himself out due to an injury right now. If the club cannot agree to a deal for him, they will look for a move for Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol or RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba.

In recent games, Carlo Ancelotti has opted to play defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni alongside Antonio Rudiger at centre-back. However, getting an experienced player at the backline could see Tchouameni return to his standard position in the middle of the park for Real Madrid.

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Carlo Ancelotti shares admission about how defensive injuries have affected Real Madrid

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has opened up about how defensive injuries have affected the club this season. Despite Los Blancos sitting second in LaLiga, they have conceded 18 goals in 18 league games this season.

This is a recognizable difference from last season when they conceded just 26 goals in 38 league games. After their 4-2 win over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on December 22, Carlo Ancelotti admitted (via club website):

"The evolution has been the defensive commitment. The missing players like Militão, Carvajal, Alaba and Mendy took their toll. We have tried to strengthen our quality. Mbappé is much better, Bellingham has started to score and Rodrygo is back. We've also done very well in attack."

Real Madrid players will return to Valdebebas after the festive season is over. They are set to return to action next year when they face Valencia on January 3, 2025.