Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eyeing Sporting CP right-back
While media outlets focus on Real Madrid’s pursuit of forwards, not much is spoken about the other reinforcements needed. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland would undoubtedly make Los Blancos a fearsome team, but the defence requires as much attention.
The situation at right-back is dire. While Dani Carvajal is no longer the player he used to be, Lucas Vazquez is not a natural fullback. The need for a new right-back is real.
According to reports from Transfers.com, Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Pedro Porro. The Sporting CP right-back has been phenomenal in the Primeira Liga, scoring three goals and providing four assists in just 14 starts.
The Portuguese club demand a fee of close to €30 million for their star. However, the player still promises to be a value-for-money option at that price.
Porro is one of the defensively most astute players in the Portuguese top-flight, producing two tackles, an interception, a clearance and five duels won per 90 minutes. At the same time, he averages 1.2 key passes per game and has created seven big chances.
One worrying facet of the right-back’s game is his susceptibility to injury. In 2021/22, he has already missed 92 days of action through muscular injuries.
At just 22-years of age, Porro promises not only quality but also longevity. However, the one factor against his signing is the fact that the Galacticos recently invested in a young right-back in Vinicius Tobias.
Real Madrid have been linked with the Spanish player in the past too. However, they must act fast for the youngster has attracted interest from across the globe.
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
