Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Man City were interested in World Cup winner before Chelsea move
Apart from offering an update on Real Madrid’s pursuit of Jude Bellingham, a recent report from The Athletic has revealed that the Spanish giants were also interested in a move for Enzo Fernandez during the January transfer window.
Considered one of the most talented young midfield prospects in world football right now, Fernandez made a blistering breakthrough at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping Argentina secure the coveted trophy while winning the Best Young Player of the tournament award.
Fernandez’s performances for Argentina at the World Cup, coupled with his success at SL Benfica, convinced Chelsea to fork out a whopping €121 million on the midfielder during the January transfer window.
But as per The Athletic, Manchester City, along with Real Madrid were among the clubs interested in the services of Fernandez, shortly before his move to Chelsea.
Real Madrid’s interest in the young Argentine is hardly surprising, as the Spanish giants were looking for midfield reinforcements at the time, especially with uncertainty over the continuity of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
While both these veterans are now likely to extend, it was not the case at the time. Moreover, Dani Ceballos had not enjoyed the same level of turnaround he is enjoying right now, all of which accentuated the need for a fresh new midfielder.
That is where Enzo was an appealing option for Los Blancos. In addition to his youthful exuberance, the Argentine’s work-ethic, aggression and commitment might have made him an ideal long-term replacement for someone like Casemiro.
But Real Madrid did not end up making a move for Fernandez, perhaps due to his mammoth €121 million. The club, instead, are focusing on making a move for Jude Bellingham in the coming summer.
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.
