Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid set for off-field battle to sign 26-year-old Serie A defender: Reports
Real Madrid are locked in a battle with Atletico Madrid for the services of Sam Beukema, according to reputed journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. The Dutch defender initially caught the eye under Thiago Motta last season at Bologna.
Beukema has continued his rise under new manager Vincenzo Italiano, registering 18 appearances across competitions. His efforts have already turned heads at multiple clubs in Europe.
Los Blancos are also keeping a close eye on his progress as they look for defensive reinforcements in 2025. The LaLiga giants are currently without David Alaba and Eder Militao, both of whom remain sidelined with ACL injuries.
While the Canadian is expected to return in January, Militao is out for the rest of the campaign after picking up the injury this month. Incidentally, both Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are on the wrong side of 30, so Real Madrid must consider reinforcements.
Los Blancos have been linked with multiple candidates so far and also have Beukema on their radar. However, they will face competition from Los Rojiblancos for the 26-year-old.
The LaLiga duo have already sent scouts to monitor the Dutchman during Bologna's Champions League tie against Lille. Juventus and Inter Milan also have their eyes on Beukema.
Interestingly, Thiago Motta took over at Turin this summer, so the Bianconeri could pose a threat to Real Madrid's plans. The player is under contract at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara until 2027 and Bologna remain desperate to keep hold of him. However, his exit now appears inevitable.
How many goals have Real Madrid conceded this season?
Real Madrid have conceded 11 goals in 13 games in the league and nine goals in five games in the Champions League this season. The recent spat of injuries have left Los Blancos with Antonio Rudiger and Jesus Vallejo as their only recognized senior centre-backs.
The Spaniard isn't trusted by Carlo Ancelotti, as evident from the fact that he has managed just 10 minutes of first-team football so far in one game. Instead, the Italian manager has opted to promote Raul Asencio from the youth ranks of late.
The 21-year-old made his first appearance for the senior side against Osasuna earlier this month. He replaced Eder Militao, who had ruptured his ACL, in the 30th minute. Since then, Asencio has started the last two games for Real Madrid, the 3-0 win over Leganes and the 0-2 defeat to Liverpool.