Real Madrid are reportedly considering Pau Torres as a possible long-term replacement for Sergio Ramos, who future at the club is uncertain.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Bernabeu Digital, Pau Torres is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a possible move in next summer’s transfer window. The reigning La Liga champions are fretting over the future of captain Sergio Ramos, whose potential departure could force them into the transfer market.
Pau Torres joined Villarreal as an academy prospect way back in 2002 and made fine progress in the club’s youth setup before breaking into the first-team squad in 2016. His real breakthrough came in last season following his return from a loan spell with Malaga.
Following a solid 2019/20 campaign, Torres was linked with some of the bigwigs in Europe, but Villarreal ended up keeping hold of their star defender. A mainstay in the Valencian club’s backline, the youngster’s stock continues to rise and his progress has now been noted by Real Madrid.
For years, Real Madrid’s defence has been in safe hands in captain Sergio Ramos, who has had reliable partners in the form of Pepe and Raphael Varane for the best part of the last decade. Now well into his thirties, Ramos continues to be Los Blancos‘ best defender; so much so, that it is hard to imagine a starting lineup without him featuring in it.
However, Real Madrid now find themselves in a precarious situation over the future of Ramos, who is in the final year of his contract with the club. The Merengues are eager to sort out the issues that have blocked a renewal, with the report also claiming that Ramos wants to remain at the Bernabeu.
However, Real Madrid do need to keep their options open in case they are unable to tie the 34-year-old down to a new contract. In any case, with Ramos in the twilight of his career and Nacho nearing the end of his time at the club, it is prudent that the La Liga champions lay down a succession plan for the veteran Spaniard, which is exactly what they are doing with the scouting of Pau Torres.
Bernabeu Digital have suggested that Real Madrid are merely monitoring the Villarreal defender for now, with other options also being scoured. A summer move for the versatile David Alaba has also been mooted, but in Torres, they would have a long-term solution for their defence, with the 23-year-old also settled in La Liga.
Their priority would still be to reach an agreement with Ramos over a brand new contract. For now, though, it looks like Real Madrid are also planning for life after their captain, in the case that he decides to end his storied spell at the club.
