3 players Real Madrid can sign in January

#3 Mario Hermoso

Real Madrid have had a torrid season at the back. With two World-Cup winning center backs at their disposal, conceding 19 goals in 15 league games is simply unacceptable. It is perhaps why Real have been linked with Espanyol defender Mario Hermoso.

The 23-year-old Spaniard joined Espanyol from Real Madrid's youth ranks back in 2017 and has performed really well for the Catalans, cementing his place in the team.

Owing to their defensive woes, Real have reportedly attempted to activate the defender's €7.5 million buy-back clause. With injuries to defenders Nacho, Marcelo, and Carvajal this season, Real could surely use some reinforcements at the back.

The heart of their defense, in particular, has been awful at times this season. Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos have looked like shadows of their former selves on numerous occasions.

With Ramos now 32, it seems like the right time to start looking for a replacement and a commanding defender like Hermoso certainly fits the bill. His ability to carry the ball from the back and his goalscoring threat make him the ideal successor to Ramos.

Real's interest in Hermoso has gone cold over the past few weeks but if the defense continues to put on performances like the one against CSKA at home- an embarrassing 3-0 defeat, Real's biggest ever at home in the Champions League- Hermoso could well be on his way back to the club from the capital. And for a price like that, he'll surely be a bargain.