Real Madrid faces a dilemma in the center-back position as the current season nears its end, with the potential departure of David Alaba and uncertainty surrounding Antonio Rudiger's future, prompting the club's management to act early in the summer transfer market.

The Spanish newspaper 'Mundo Deportivo' reported that Real Madrid's management is accustomed to studying the defender market every season as it nears its end, given that this position consistently suffers from a lack of options, even though five players currently occupy this role within the team.

According to the same source, Alaba will leave the team at the end of his contract on June 30, while Rudiger's future remains unresolved. Although early indicators this year suggested his departure, his impressive performance against Manchester City, along with public support from Álvaro Arbeloa, has boosted his chances of staying and renewing his contract.

Regarding future options, the club continues to rely on Eder Militao, Raul Asensio, and Dean Housen, who was signed for 50 million euros last summer. Although Housen has yet to meet expectations, confidence in him remains within the club, unlike Asensio, whose continuation lacks consensus despite appreciation for his efforts and commitment.

There is also anticipation regarding Militao's level, who is preparing to return after a four-month absence due to injury, without guarantees about his form post-recovery.

In a related context, the report indicated that available opportunities in the defender market have started to dwindle, following the departure of previously considered names like Marc Guehi, who moved to Manchester City, and Dayot Upamecano, who renewed his contract with Bayern Munich until 2030.

The source clarified that the remaining options currently include Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate and Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, neither of whom has renewed their contract yet, making them available for free as their contracts near expiration.

The report confirmed that the center-back position continues to be a persistent headache for Real Madrid's management in recent years, and resolving this issue will be a decisive factor in the team's return to competing for major titles, whether in La Liga or the UEFA Champions League, after nearly two years of absence.