Real Madrid has ruled out the possibility of bringing back Sergio Ramos. After extensive discussions and careful thought, the club's leadership has decided that the legendary defender will not return to the Spanish capital. With an ongoing defensive crisis exacerbated by Éder Militão’s long-term injury, the club’s focus has shifted to strengthening its backline. As the January transfer window approaches, the priority is to bring in a center-back who can make an immediate impact but also has long-term potential.

Real Madrid’s search for defensive reinforcements has narrowed down to three main candidates: Aymeric Laporte, Castello Lukeba, and Jonathan Tah. Laporte, currently at Al Nassr, remains the top target for the club. The Spanish defender has expressed a desire to return to European football, but negotiations are proving difficult. The key hurdle lies in the significant pay cut Laporte would have to take to comply with Real Madrid's salary structure. Additionally, Al Nassr is asking for a high transfer fee, which complicates the deal further.

Lukeba, the 21-year-old French center-back from RB Leipzig, is another option on the club's radar. While he represents a promising long-term investment, the young defender recently signed a contract extension through 2029, which includes a hefty release clause. This financial commitment makes Lukeba’s transfer more complicated, as Madrid is wary of overspending and is aiming for a balanced approach that does not disrupt its financial strategy.

In light of these challenges, Jonathan Tah has emerged as a more realistic alternative. The 28-year-old Bayer Leverkusen defender is considered a reliable option with experience at both the club and international levels, having partnered with Antonio Rüdiger in the German national team. Tah's contract, which expires in 2025, gives Real Madrid an opportunity to negotiate a favorable deal in January. His experience and leadership could provide immediate stability to the defense, making him an attractive candidate for the club, especially given his more affordable price tag compared to the other two targets.

As Real Madrid looks to bolster its defensive options, the club is prioritizing a center-back who can contribute both now and in the future, with Tah increasingly seen as a pragmatic solution to their current predicament