Real Madrid News
Real Madrid have scouted Liverpool, Manchester United target multiple times – Romano
Cody Gakpo has emerged as one of the breakout stars at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The Netherlands forward has scored three goals in three matches to help his team book a place in the Round of 16.
Prior to his exploits at the World Cup with the Dutch national team, Gakpo had been making huge waves with his performances for PSV Eindhoven. And, according to Fabrizio Romano, the 23-year-old’s meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed by Real Madrid.
The reputed transfer expert is claiming that Los Blancos have been following Gakpo for a long time now and have scouted him on multiple occasions.
However, as things stand, there are no official negotiations initiated by Real Madrid or any other club with Gakpo or his club, PSV.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a stunning season last time out and has been in tremendous form in the ongoing campaign as well. In just 24 matches, he has already been involved in 30 goals across all competitions (13 goals, 17 assists).
In 11 matches for the Netherlands, he has scored five goals, three of which have come in the World Cup.
Apart from Real Madrid, Gakpo is also on the radars of Liverpool and Manchester United. The former have scouted him on multiple occasions although they are yet to make any formal approach.
As for Manchester United, they were in talks with PSV to sign Gakpo in the summer but decided to move for Antony instead. However, they are still in contact with his agents, who also happen to represent Erik ten Hag. A move could be possible in January or in the summer, Romano states.
Gakpo predominantly plays on the left flank for his club – a spot Vinicius Jr occupies at Real Madrid. However, he has operated in a more central role for the Netherlands at this World Cup, highlighting his versatility, which would only convince Madrid further to make a swoop.
PSV had demanded a sum of €50 million for Gakpo last summer. But given his performances this season and at the World Cup, they could hold out for a larger sum.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
