Real Madrid News
Real Madrid could move to trigger Argentine international’s release clause in January
According to journalist Sebastian Srur (h/t Madrid Xtra), Real Madrid could move to trigger the release clause of SL Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez in January to sign him for the summer of 2023.
The 21-year-old Argentine international has been on Los Blancos’ radars for a long while now. His performances for Benfica since moving to the Portuguese club last summer have only strengthened their interest in the midfielder.
Furthermore, Enzo Fernandez’s performances at the FIFA World Cup for Argentina, where he was named the Best Young Player of the Tournament, have seemingly made a big impression on manager Carlo Ancelotti.
It is no secret that Real Madrid are in the market for a new midfielder before next season. Luka Modric will be turning 38 in the near future while Toni Kroos’ future remains uncertain as he is yet to give any indication about whether he will renew with the Merengues.
So, it is important for Ancelotti & co. to put a succession plan in place. Jude Bellingham has been their top priority, but Liverpool seem to be leading the race to sign the England international.
Thus, Fernandez has emerged as a viable Plan B for Real Madrid. And as per the aforementioned report, the reigning La Liga champions could trigger his release clause in January in order to sign him in the summer of 2023.
Benfica have no intentions of letting their prized asset leave. So, the only way Real Madrid can sign him is by triggering his release clause. And, they seem to be prepared to do so in January, although the midfielder would arrive in the summer.
As previously reported by Fabrizio Romano, the 21-year-old’s release clause is said to be worth €120 million.
So, it will be a massive investment on Real Madrid’s part. But considering how he has performed since arriving in Europe last summer and his displays at the World Cup, he could prove to be a worthy acquisition.
Although Antonio Rudiger has had success since joining Real Madrid last summer, the club are in need of more depth and players that can form the backbone of the defensive unit in the years to come.
As part of their plans, Real Madrid are prioritising a move for Josko Gvardiol in the coming summer, reports 90 Min.
The outlet suggests Gvardiol will be one of the most wanted prospects in the market, with both Real Madrid and Manchester City eyeing a move for the Croatian international come the end of the season.
Formerly of Dinamo Zagreb, Gvardiol has enjoyed immense success since his move to the Bundesliga in 2021. He has impressed onlookers with his skill, organisation and discipline, which, coupled with his versatility, make him an appealing target for any European giant.
Gvardiol was also one of the top performers at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping Croatia finish third in the competition. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid among the clubs who have been keeping an eye on the defender for a while now.
However, signing Gvardiol will be a tricky task for Los Blancos. The player still has a long-term contract at Leipzig and could cost up to €85 million, as reported by 90 Min. Not to mention, the competition from Man City could be significant.
Real Madrid have no shortage of alternatives, though, with the club notably closely monitoring Portuguese defensive whizkid Antonio Silva, among others. So it will be interesting to see how the Spanish giants approach the market in this coming summer.
Iykelouis
December 22, 2022 at 8:16 am
Enzo Fernandez should be considered ahead of Jude… 150m is out of it even mbape is also high… Let’s not spend any how because we have it