Real Madrid stands by their decision not to acquire a centre-back during the January transfer window, as reported by Marca.
Despite the long-term injuries of Eder Militao and David Alaba, who are both sidelined with ACL tears, the club opted against reinforcing the position.
Instead, they relied on Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez to maintain their fitness.
However, Rudiger sustained an injury against Getafe on February 1, forcing Dani Carvajal to play out of position in the recent Madrid Derby against Atletico.
Marca indicates that Real Madrid believes bringing in an emergency centre-back would not have elevated the squad’s performance.
They deemed that none of the available options aligned with the club’s strategy of nurturing young, emerging talents.
Conversely, Diario AS reports that Rafa Marin, a 21-year-old academy product currently on loan at Alavés, is set to return to Real Madrid next season.
Marin, who has impressed during his loan spell, will serve as the fifth-choice centre-back behind Militao, Alaba, Rudiger, and Nacho.