Real Madrid is closing out 2025 with a sense of urgency.
The defensive solidity that defined the early days of the Xabi Alonso era has been compromised by a relentless injury crisis, forcing the club to look toward the Balkan region for a long-term solution.
The latest name on the Merengue radar is the 18-year-old Croatian sensation, Branimir Mlacic.
A Defensive Emergency at the Bernabéu
The “White House” is currently navigating a tactical storm.
With Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold sidelined until 2026, and lingering doubts over the fitness of veterans Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, the backline is stretched thin.
Recent inconsistent performances from Dean Huijsen have only amplified the need for a fresh, dominant presence in the heart of the defense.
Who is Branimir Mlacic? The New “Tower” of Split
Standing at a towering 1.92 meters, Mlacic has caught the eye of Real Madrid scouts not just for his physical stature, but for his precocious maturity at Hajduk Split.
- Senior Impact: Despite his age, Mlacic has already broken into the Hajduk Split first team, surprisingly contributing two assists from a central defensive position.
- International Recognition: His rapid rise has seen him earn a call-up to the Croatia U-21 national team, following a standout period with the U-19s.
A Continental Tug-of-War
Real Madrid is not alone in its pursuit.
The race for Mlacic’s signature is turning into a “Who’s Who” of European football, with Barcelona, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and cross-town rivals Atlético Madrid all reportedly monitoring the situation.
However, securing the youngster won’t be easy or cheap.
Mlacic recently committed his future to Hajduk Split, signing a long-term contract that runs until 2029.
This gives the Croatian club a strong bargaining position in any upcoming negotiations.
The Alonso Blueprint for Real Madrid
While Real Madrid continues to monitor established stars like Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, the profile of Mlacic fits the club’s recent strategy of signing the world’s best “U-20” talents.
As the winter window approaches, the club must decide whether to fast-track a move for the Croatian giant or rely on their current options to navigate the business end of the season.
