It’s fair to say that Real Madrid supporters won’t ever want to see the center back partnership of Álvaro Carreras and Raúl Asencio again.
Injuries to Xabi Alonso’s four frontline defenders forced improvisation, and the Madrid boss opted to partner tall left back Carreras with the young Asencio, who enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024–25 but is yet to impress under new management.
Now, you could argue that the circumstances that led to Alonso wheeling out the unlikely pairing against Olympiacos on Wednesday night were mightily unfortunate, with Dean Huijsen, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba all sidelined at once. However, Rüdiger and Alaba are beyond 30, and Militão has suffered two long-term knee injuries, so fitness setbacks are to be expected with this current group.
Thus, it’s imperative that Madrid evolve further at the position in 2026.
Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté had been regarded as the club’s top target for next summer, but recent reports suggest Los Blancos no longer boast an interest. There are alternatives to be turned to, and here are five center backs who may instead be courted by the Spanish giants next year.
