Top Spanish Defender in Serie A Set to Return to Real Madrid

Mario Gila, a 24-year-old central defender at Lazio, has garnered significant attention due to his impressive performances in Serie A. Real Madrid, holding 50% ownership of Gila, is closely monitoring his progress, especially considering their current defensive challenges.

Gila transferred to Lazio in 2022 for €6 million, with Real Madrid retaining half of his rights. After an initial adjustment period, he has become a pivotal figure in Lazio's defense, earning the trust of both former coach Maurizio Sarri and current manager Marco Baroni. This season, Gila has accumulated nearly 1,250 minutes of play, consistently featuring in the starting lineup for 13 consecutive Serie A matches.

His value has surged from €18 million to €28 million, making him the most valuable Spanish player in Italy. Real Madrid's defensive lineup is currently limited, with only Antonio Rüdiger and the recently added Raúl Asencio as reliable options. The club has indicated no plans for January signings, awaiting David Alaba's return in 2025. However, for the upcoming summer, reinforcing the defense is a priority, and Gila's return is a viable option. Given their 50% stake, Real Madrid would need to negotiate with Lazio but would only be required to pay half of his market value.