Real Madrid Reportedly Targeting Two Roma Defenders

Real Madrid are on the lookout for a new defender after Eder Militao’s serious knee injury, and they’ve reportedly set their sights on two Roma players: Mario Hermoso and Evan N’Dicka. According to Marca (via Calciomercato), Los Blancos are unlikely to make a big January move.

Hermoso, who previously played for Atletico Madrid, has had a slow start in Italy after signing late as a free agent in September. He’s started in only four of his nine appearances, primarily in the Europa League, and has missed the last three matches due to a muscle injury. With Roma facing possible changes under a new coach and uncertainty about director Florent Ghisolfi’s future, Hermoso’s age and recent free transfer might make him an affordable option for Real Madrid, while signing N’Dicka would require a larger investment, according to Cahiers du Foot.

The 25-year-old N’Dicka has become a regular starter, showing marked improvement and consistency across different managerial shifts, and is valued at around €25 million. Per Corriere della Sera (via Tuttomercatoweb), Hermoso and Mats Hummels were considering leaving if Ivan Juric wasn’t dismissed, though that could now change.

Our Take on Roma, Real Madrid, Hermoso, and N’Dicka: Ranieri will likely alternate between a three- and four-man defense, potentially using Angelino as a backup. Roma have little motivation to sell N’Dicka unless presented with a significant offer for the Ivorian internati

onal.