Reasons for Real Madrid’s transfer inactivity despite Ancelotti’s meeting

After a second rout of the season, in which Real Madrid was destroyed by Barcelona in defense, the questions are strong and forceful at the doors of The White House. None more pertinent than those about his bottom line.

With David Alaba still recovering from a serious knee injury, and Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao ruled out for the remainder of the season, Real Madrid have fallen somewhat behind. It has raised questions about why Los Blancos have not strengthened their defensive line in the transfer market, with Lucas Vázquez struggling at right back and Aurelien Tchouameni being used as an auxiliary centre-back, and looking at him.

The Athletic reports that Ancelotti had asked for defensive reinforcements in the summer but did not see it come to fruition, and failed attempts to bring in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Leny Yoro were not followed by any further action. Relevo agrees and confirms that there are those within the club who have recognized that a center back and a right back must be signed now or in the summer.

That was agreed at a meeting between Ancelotti, general manager José Ángel Sánchez and chief scout Juni Calafat in December, but once again Los Blancos have been passive in the transfer market. The club does not believe in making moves in January, and Raúl Asencio’s performances have been used as an argument that there is enough talent in the youth system and that it can be used to complete the squad. Ancelotti and his staff believe that young players should be brought in slowly so as not to burn out from overexposure too soon.

Since deals like those for Reinier Jesus and Luka Jovic, which combined for €95 million in wasteful spending, the club has been obsessed with not spending too much on players. President Florentino Pérez is determined not to spend on players he does not believe are worth every penny.

Whatever the reasons for their inaction in the transfer market, it has left them in a situation that puts their trophy prospects this season in doubt. If Trent Alexander-Arnold arrives in the summer, then it makes sense that Real Madrid would be reluctant to sign anyone now. However, if they leave Ancelotti without reinforcements, then they would have to lower expectations accordingly, something that does not seem to be on the table.