Real Madrid want 28-year-old defender to leave club in January transfer window: Reports

Real Madrid are ready to offload Jesus Vallejo this month, but the player instead wants to see out his contract, according to journalist Miguel Angel Diaz. The Spanish defender is a peripheral figure at the Santiago Bernabeu and his deal runs out at the end of this season.

Los Blancos are in a defensive mini-crisis at the moment, following the ACL injuries to Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal. With David Alaba yet to return to full fitness, the LaLiga champions are short of personnel at the back.

Despite the emergency, Real Madrid have refrained from utilizing Vallejo to address the issue. Carlo Ancelotti has deployed Aurelien Tchouameni in defense, while youngster Raul Asencio has also been promoted to the senior side.

The situation has added to speculation regarding Vallejo's future. The 28-year-old has appeared just once for Los Blancos this season, off the bench against Alaves in September.

The Spaniard has just 10 minutes of first-team action under his belt, hinting that the LaLiga giants don't have much confidence in his ability. Vallejo hasn't been included in the squad for the Copa del Rey Round of 32 tie against Deportivo Minera.

However, journalist Guillermo Rai has insisted that his absence is due to a slight discomfort. Nevertheless, that has only added to speculation regarding the player's future. It now appears that Vallejo could be on his way out of Real Madrid this year.

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Will Real Madrid sign a new defender in 2025?

Jesus Vallejo

Real Madrid could be tempted to bolster their backline in 2025 amid a spur of injuries at the back. Eder Militao has suffered two ACL injuries in 18 months, while David Alaba is yet to return after rupturing his ACL in December 2023.

With Alaba and Antonio Rudiger already on the wrong side of 30, Los Blancos have to initiate succession plans for the backline. Recent reports (via Madrid Universal) have suggested that they have their eyes on William Saliba.

The Frenchman has gone from strength to strength with Arsenal of late and is among the most talented young defenders in Europe. His efforts have reportedly earned him admirers at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The LaLiga giants have reportedly initiated contact with Saliba's camp and initial talks have been positive. The Gunners have no desire to let him go at the moment, although it is believed that the situation could change this summer. The 23-year-old is under contract until 2027, but Real Madrid could secure his services for €100m.