Real Madrid target Burkina Faso defender Edmond Tapsoba ahead of summer window

Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a significant defensive rebuild this summer, with their attention firmly fixed on the Bundesliga.

As part of that strategy, the Spanish giants are closely monitoring both Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund and Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen.

Schlotterbeck has long been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabéu and is said to feature prominently on Madrid’s shortlist.

 However, reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes suggest that Burkinabe defender Tapsoba has now emerged as another prime candidate as Los Blancos intensify efforts to reshape their back line.

The advancing age of key defensive figures largely drives the push for reinforcements.

With uncertainty surrounding the futures of experienced defenders David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger, Madrid are eager to secure younger, high-quality centre-backs capable of anchoring the defence for years to come.

The objective is not merely to add depth, but to construct a long-term, future-ready unit.

Tapsoba, 27, has been a cornerstone at Leverkusen’s BayArena since arriving from Vitória Guimarães in 2020. He remains under contract until 2028, with a release clause reportedly close to €100 million.

Despite that figure, Leverkusen are believed to be open to negotiations in the region of €60 million should a serious offer arrive.

Competition for the Burkina Faso international could be fierce. Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool FC are also credited with interest in the defender, who has amassed 255 appearances in all competitions for Leverkusen and established himself as one of Europe’s most in-demand central defenders.