Real Madrid News
Real Madrid face Manchester United, Chelsea battle for €40m-rated teenage defender
Real Madrid are scouring the market for centre-backs as they are on the lookout for reinforcements for their defensive line.
With David Alaba’s exit all but confirmed and the fact that Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao have battled injuries makes it imperative for the club to shore up the ranks at the heart of the backline.
Los Blancos are looking at established players like Ibrahima Konate and Nico Schlotterbeck, while also keeping an eye on up-and-coming talents, one of whom happens to be Karim Coulibaly.
Competition for Koulibaly
Indeed, according to AS, Real Madrid are interested in 18-year-old Coulibaly of Werder Bremen.
However, the Merengues are set to face stiff competition in the race for the youngster as Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United are also tracking him.
In addition to that, Serie A giants Napoli and reigning French and European Champions PSG are also keeping tabs on the teenager.
Coulibaly has been one of the breakout stars of the season in the Bundesliga, emerging as a regular for Werder Bremen – playing 22 times and even scoring one goal.
Coulibaly has a contract until 2029 which is understood to contain no release clause in it. However, the report indicates that the teenage prodigy could be available for a fee of around €40 million.
Whether Real Madrid would be willing to spend such a sum on a player who is playing his first season at the highest level remains to be seen.
Moreover, the competition from clubs like Chelsea, PSG, and Manchester United could drive the German U-21 international’s up further.
At the same time, though, Real Madrid have shown previously that they are not afraid to spend big on young players if they are the real deal. So, it will be interesting to see how things evolve with their interest in Coulibaly.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
