Real Madrid News
Prolific Eredivisie star wants big move to Real Madrid or Barcelona, open to January switch
PSV’s 23-year-old winger Cody Gakpo is stirring the European market with his scintillating displays in the Netherlands’ Eredivisie. And as it turns out, the youngster, who has already netted 13 times while proving ten assists in 16 official games this season, is not ruling out a transfer in January either.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, although the 23-year-old is still being chased by the Premier League side Leeds United, his wish is to make a move to a ‘bigger’ club like Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Among his preferred options are Manchester United, Manchester City and also the German champions Bayern Munich. It is further claimed that the Dutch international moving in January is very much on the table.
As of today, though, there is no agreement in place with any of the mentioned teams, including Leeds United, who are highly interested in his acquisition.
It must be remembered that Gakpo was considered to be a backup option for Manchester United back during the summer transfer window when they were still chasing Antony’s signature.
Once the Brazilian was acquired, United’s interest cooled, but there were other Premier League clubs like Southampton and Everton, who were keen while Leeds are still continuing their efforts to sign him. Arsenal, too, are among the winger’s suitors.
Recent reports indicated that sources close to the situation had claimed Real Madrid had emerged as a possible destination for Gakpo, and it now seems like the winger, too, harbours ambitions of a move to a top club like the reigning champions of Spain and Europe.
Gakpo, who has been terrorising the opposition defences this season, wants to play for a team that could fulfil his ambitions of playing at the highest level.
As for the links to Real, a January moves looks off the table. But a potential swoop next summer could be a possibility as Los Blancos will bid goodbye to Marco Asensio while Eden Hazard’s time at the club could be coming to an end as well.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
