Real Madrid News
Real Madrid face two obstacles in summer pursuit of 26-goal striker – report
Real Madrid are close to sealing their first summer transfer of the season in the form of Jude Bellingham. With the noise around the English midfielder now subdued, the administration are working towards the acquisition of a new striker.
Los Blancos are in a state of conflict over the decision surrounding the number nine position for next season. Some reports state that the club maintain complete faith in Karim Benzema and will wait another year before splashing the cash. Others, however, bring forth the candidates being considered at Valdebebas.
One of the players on Real Madrid’s radar on that front is Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos. The Portuguese international made the headlines in the FIFA World Cup for a stunning display against Switzerland in the knockout stages and his form at the club level has been no different.
In 28 Liga Portugal appearances this season, Ramos has scored 18 goals and provided two assists. He averages 0.6 key passes per game and has created four big chances. The 21-year-old has also netted eight more goals in other competitions.
However, AS report that Real Madrid face two significant hurdles if they opt for the operation to sign Ramos.
The first obstacle appears to be the economic situation. Benfica expect an exorbitant price for their central striker who is contracted at the club until 2026. Earlier this season when Newcastle United and Manchester United were scouting the player, a fee of around €120 million was quoted.
Secondly, Ramos is represented by the agency of Jorge Mendes with whom Real Madrid do not share a great rapport. The two parties cut ties after Cristiano Ronaldo’s anti-climactic departure from the Santiago Bernabeu and the negotiations will thus be complicated.
It appears likely that the Merengues will pass on the Portuguese star’s availability and pursue either Dusan Vlahovic or Harry Kane instead. Moreover, the possibility of waiting a year for Kylian Mbappe cannot be ruled out.
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.
