Real Madrid are not yet done in the summer transfer window. Having already secured the signing of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick, Carlo Ancelotti is seeking some more new additions early into the 2024 window.
Next up on the transfer priority list is to sign a new defender or two. After all, they have a pretty stacked attack, with the two new additions Endrick and Mbappe only adding to the competition for places in this area of the pitch. Given the ageing nature of the defensive block, it would be logical and prudent for Ancelotti and Florentino Perez to seek young defensive additions.
According to a Tuttomercatoweb report, Real Madrid are contemplating signing Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna this summer. Juventus are also highly interested in retaining the versatile defender within Serie A, meaning Real Madrid will need to compete with Juventus for his signature.
Riccardo Calafiori is primarily a centre back, but he has the ability to play as a left-back or even a midfielder. This will greatly benefit Real Madrid as they are also known to be in the market for a full-back (mostly by the name of Alphonso Davies), therefore, they will be stacked when it comes to squad depth.
At 22 years old, Calafiori has been poised for the next step in his career for a couple of years, and now is the ideal time. The defender played in 30 Serie A matches last season and earned a call-up to the Italy squad for EURO 2024. He started in Italy’s first game of the tournament, contributing to their victory over Albania.
It’s especially crucial for Real Madrid to sign a new defender with Nacho Fernandez likely leaving this summer. The veteran and club captain is in talks with Al-Ittihad and is currently out of contract. Therefore, acquiring the young talent of Calafiori could be advantageous for the club’s long-term stability.
Real Madrid have also expressed strong interest in signing Leny Yoro from LOSC. The 18-year-old Frenchman is expected to be more expensive than Calafiori and appears to be Real Madrid’s top target. Consequently, Calafiori is likely considered a backup option.
