Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona among elite clubs targeting 17-year-old talent on free transfer
Matija Popovic of Partizan Belgrade is attracting a plethora of interest from top clubs across Europe, with Real Madrid and Barcelona also among his suitors, reports Calciomercato.
Popovic, 17, is one of the most exciting young prospects in European football, although the attacking midfielder has not played any football since the summer due to a falling out with his current club.
The teenager’s contract with Partizan stands to expire on December 31, 2023, and with talks over a renewal falling through, he has been exiled from the club as he awaits the completion of his contract to move on.
Prior to the falling out, Popovic had made 25 appearances for Partizan Belgrade’s Under-17 team, bagging 21 goals and five assists.
He also has a goal against his name from seven appearances for Serbia’s Under-17 national team.
Real Madrid, Barcelona among clubs keen
As per the aforementioned report, given his promise and his availability for free transfer (barring the nominal training compensation), a number of elite clubs across Europe are interested in Popovic.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are also said to be among his admirers, along with the likes of AC Milan, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund.
It is no secret that Real Madrid have their eyes set on the best young talents with potential all across the globe and it appears that Popovic has caught their attention.
But with the competition for his services, it remains to be seen if the 17-year-old ends up at the Santiago Bernabeu when his contract with Partizan Belgrade expires.
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
🆚 @en_sscnapoli #UCL pic.twitter.com/MarLb7TavA
Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
