Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eyeing move for two centre-backs this summer – report
While all eyes will be on the upcoming presidential election at Real Madrid, it doesn’t take anything away from the fact that the club are in desperate need of a summer rebuild.
A key weakness area for the Los Blancos is the defence, especially with both Dani Carvajal and David Alaba leaving the club.
Real Madrid, therefore, are in the hunt for defensive reinforcements, especially in the centre-back position, where Eder Militao has struggled with injuries, while Raul Asencio has seemingly lost his importance in the team.
Real Madrid are looking to sign two CBs
According to AS, Real Madrid are looking to sign at least two new centre-backs in the summer transfer window.
This is hardly surprising as the club desperately require competition for Dean Huijsen and the injury-prone Militao. At the same time, they must also find a replacement for the departing Alaba.
Two new centre-backs, therefore, could go a long way in solidifying the Real Madrid backline, especially if one of them is also versatile enough to operate in a fullback role.
Who are Real Madrid going after?
Everything suggests Real Madrid are eyeing a free transfer for Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate, who has reportedly agreed personal terms with the club.
Konate is an experienced defender who can add a lot of value to the Real Madrid backline, offering competition to both Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Huijsen next season.
If Real Madrid can get one more centre-back, in addition to Konate, they can have a defined central defensive unit, with at least five players vying for a place in the starting eleven.
As far as the second new centre-back is concerned, Real Madrid have been linked with a move for a few stars, including Nico Schlotterbeck, Josko Gvardiol and Alessandro Bastoni.
But these are still early days and more details will come out only after Konate’s potential signing.
According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid have joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Gabriel Rajkovic, a 15-year-old winger whose rapid development at Valerenga has already attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading sides.
The Merengues are known for keeping an eye on exciting young talent across the globe and it seems that Rajkovic’s exploits in Norway, with the first team, have alerted them.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Rajkovic
As per the report, Real Madrid are among a host of clubs closely following the progress of the young forward.
Rajkovic holds both Norwegian and Serbian nationality and has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Norway.
His development has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also understood to be monitoring him.
However, at this point, it is Arsenal and Chelsea, who are understood to be leading the charge for Rajkovic, having compiled a detailed dossier on the teenage prodigy after extensive scouting.
On top of that, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched Rajkovic in recent weeks.
Real Madrid could therefore face significant competition if they decide to step up their interest in a player who has already made an impression at senior level.
Making an impact at just 15
Rajkovic was handed a promotion to the Valerenga first-team squad in January earlier this year, when he was only 14 years old.
Following that, he signed a new contract with the club in March, when he turned 15, committing to the club until 2028.
Despite being only 15, the winger has already begun gaining experience in first-team football. In all, he has made 14 senior appearances for the Norwegian outfit, scoring three and assisting one goal.
Rajkovic has also represented Norway Under-16s, making two appearances and scoring once despite being younger than many of his teammates.
Those numbers become more impressive when his age and stage of development are taken into account.
Real Madrid have built a reputation for identifying young talent well before players reach their peak, and Rajkovic has now emerged as another name on their scouting radar.
But given the number of clubs in the race, signing the teenage wonderkid will not be easy.
