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7 hours ago
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Real Madrid are all set to go through a full-fledged overhaul under new manager Xabi Alonso. They have made three signings this summer, and two of them have been defenders.
Alonso is keen to take Los Blancos back to the top, and therefore, he is addressing the issues in their backline. Hence, they are monitoring several defensive options this summer, and one such option reportedly is Paris Saint-Germain defensive stalwart Willian Pacho.
Real Madrid are also monitoring the contract situation of Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate. They may plot a move for the Frenchman once his contract runs out at Merseyside.
Los Blancos are keen to bring in defensive reinforcements in the near future as their defenders like David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao are injury-prone and have suffered incessant injury problems. Hence, Alonso is keen on bringing fresh faces to strengthen the backline.
Pacho has gained a lot of attention after his performances for PSG last season, where he played a big role in helping the Parisians secure their first Champions League title. His defensive performances impressed Real Madrid management, and therefore, they are after the 23-year-old centre-back.
Recently, after PSG's 4-0 drubbing of Atletico Madrid in the Club World Cup, manager Luis Enrique addressed the media over Real Madrid's pursuit of Pacho. He blasted the La Liga giants and also dismissed the rumours.
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"It's normal. They ALL want our players. But it's difficult now to get a player out of Paris," Enrique told D Sports.
Where could Pacho end up this summer?
Pacho joined PSG last summer for €40 million after a great solitary season with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. He has a five-year contract in place with the Parisians, which runs until 2029, so PSG are under no compulsion to sell the 23-year-old.
The Ecuadorian instantly became a mainstay in PSG's defence alongside Marquinhos. He has broken into the starting eleven, beating defenders such as Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Beraldo, who were ahead of him in the pecking order.
But Enrique's decision was completely justified as the youngster proved his worth last season as PSG won the treble, and he delivered some exceptional performances.
Pacho is a proper ball-playing centre-back, which is required in Enrique's system. He also has the physicality and the positional awareness to sense danger in tight spaces. With the ball, Pacho is always looking to spray it forward, and without it, he is always looking to win duels.
Currently, he is with PSG at the Club World Cup in the United States, where they are the early favourites to win the trophy after their 4-0 triumph over Atletico Madrid. He has featured in 53 matches this season for the European champions.
Looking at his contract situation and Enrique's comments, securing Pacho from PSG would be a very difficult transfer for Real Madrid, and they may have to look elsewhere to strengthen their backline.
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