Perez rejected Ramos and chose to sign this surprise defender: He will arrive in Madrid for free

After Dani Carvajal’s injury, Real Madrid has several options available for both right-back and center-back positions. The specifics of Carvajal’s injury are becoming clearer. Media reports suggest that Real Madrid is considering multiple signings in the summer transfer window, with potential moves also taking place in the winter. If confirmed, this would be surprising given the club’s inactivity in the winter market for the past six years.

Nonetheless, the focus of executives, led by Florentino Pérez, is on the summer window of 2025, when they plan to announce the signing of an experienced central defender as a free agent. Recently, Jonathan Tah’s name has emerged as a significant option for strengthening Madrid’s central defense after the club’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Lenny Yoro.

Real Madrid’s recent solutions have not been effective, particularly due to injuries to players like Juan Martínez and David Alaba. While Alaba is nearing a return, Aurélien Tchouaméni will remain as an emergency center-back to relieve Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger.

Adding Jonathan Tah to the squad would mirror past acquisitions like Rüdiger and Alaba: an experienced defender under 30 arriving on a free transfer. Reports suggest that a contract renewal with Bayer Leverkusen is unlikely, increasing his chances of joining Real Madrid.

Currently, Real Madrid faces little competition for the Bayer Leverkusen defender, although Barcelona is still interested in him as a free agent for the summer of 2025. Real Madrid could potentially outbid Barcelona if Tah prefers a move to the Bernabéu.

The newspaper noted that the Real Madrid president opted against signing Sergio Ramos, choosing instead to pursue Jonathan Tah, who is younger and commands a lower salary. This decision has disappointed Ramos, who had hoped for a return to the club. At 38, he will need to continue searching for a team that believes in his abilities.
Real Madrid is reportedly looking at strengthening their defensive options, particularly in light of Dani Carvajal’s injury and other issues affecting their backline, such as injuries to David Alaba and Juan Martínez. While Aurélien Tchouaméni has been used as a makeshift center-back to support Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger, the club is clearly exploring more permanent solutions.

One significant target is Jonathan Tah, the 27-year-old Bayer Leverkusen center-back, whose contract renewal with the Bundesliga side seems unlikely. Real Madrid could acquire Tah as a free agent in the summer of 2025, following in the footsteps of past signings like Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba—experienced defenders who arrived on free transfers. Although Barcelona has shown interest in Tah, Real Madrid is in a strong position to outbid them, with Tah reportedly favoring a move to the Bernabéu.

Real Madrid’s interest in Tah follows their unsuccessful attempt to sign Lenny Yoro, a younger defensive talent. In light of this, the focus has shifted to more experienced defenders like Tah. Florentino Pérez’s decision not to pursue a return for Sergio Ramos, who is 38, underscores the club’s focus on building a defense with players in their prime, offering both experience and longevity.