Real Madrid view 35-year-old free agent as option to strengthen defense after missing out on Leny Yoro: Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Mats Hummels after missing out on Leny Yoro this summer. The German defender is currently a free agent.
The Spanish giants were heavily linked with a move for Yoro, who was also keen on joining them, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. However, Los Blancos were unwilling to pay the asking price and LOSC Lille eventually accepted a €62 million bid for the 18-year-old from Manchester United.
Real Madrid are now looking to sign another defender to strengthen their defense. As per La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Madrid Zone), they are considering signing free agent Mats Hummels. The 35-year-old defender left Borussia Dortmund after the expiration of his contract last month.
Hummels had an excellent 2023-24 campaign as he helped Dortmund reach the UEFA Champions League final, where they lost against Real Madrid. Overall, in his two stints at BVB, he's made 508 appearances and also contributed 38 goals and 23 assists.
Los Blancos, meanwhile, need a centre-back this summer after Nacho Hernandez left as a free agent and joined Al-Qadsiah. David Alaba is expected to remain out until December due to an ACL injury he suffered in December 2023. Hence, the Spanish giants only have Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo as their main centre-back options.
Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema makes his pick for 2024 Ballon d'Or
Karim Benzema, who left the club in the summer of 2023 as a free agent, believes Vinicius Jr. should win the Ballon d'Or this year. He hailed the Brazilian winger's abilities with the ball and labeled him a 'complete footballer'. The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner said (via Managing Madrid):
“Ballon d’Or? I’m going to say Vinicius because he deserves it for his season and not just for what he’s done this year, but also for what he’s done last year, he was also above the rest with his football and what he does with the ball. He’s a kid, a complete footballer.”
Vinicius and Benzema shared the pitch 186 times during the latter's time at Real Madrid, combining for 42 goals.
The Brazilian winger had an exceptional 2023-24 season, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists in 39 games across competitions. He helped Los Blancos win the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Supercopa de Espana.