Real Madrid News
Real Madrid targeting 16-year-old Argentine prodigy – report
Real Madrid are currently on a hunt for young talents across the world. They are one of many clubs interested in the services of Palmeiras whizkid Endrick, but the young Brazilian is not their only target.
According to MARCA, Real Madrid have set their sights on Gianluca Prestianni as well. The 16-year-old is currently plying his trade for Velez Sarsfield’s subsidiary squad and is regarded as one of the most talented young players to come out of Argentina in recent years.
A winger by trade, Prestianni has been performing consistently in the youth division of Argentine football. He notably has five appearances for the Argentine U17 setup and is considered one of the future stars of the nation.
Prestianni recently became the youngest player to debut for Velez Sarsfield, when he appeared as a substitute against Estudiantes in Copa Libertadores.
Many in his native Argentina believe the 16-year-old has what it takes to become a regular in the Velez Sarsfield squad and continue his rapid progress in domestic football. However, he is facing difficulties in breaking into the senior squad, as Velez continue to rely on older stars.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid have been alerted to his situation and want to prize him out of the club. Although the player is not eligible to move to Europe until he is 18, the Whites are already sowing the seeds of a potential agreement.
To Real Madrid’s advantage, Prestianni’s agent, Rolando Zarate, has played for Los Blancos in the past and had even visited Madrid over the past couple of months. The negotiations between the two parties remain fluid as of now.
Although Real Madrid have not yet made any strides in their pursuit of Prestianni, they could soon step up their efforts and snap up the services of the young forward, who is set to turn 17 in January next year.
According to a report from journalist Jorge C Picon, former Tottenham Hotspur and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is in pole position to become the next manager of Real Madrid, if Carlo Ancelotti leaves at the end of the season.
Ancelotti’s topic has become a topic of much debate and discussion over the past few weeks. The Italian tactician has a contract that runs until next year and has stated that he wishes to see it out.
However, the team’s failure to win any major title this season could end up spelling trouble or the 63-year-old. The La Liga title looks like a lost cause already while Real Madrid are in a disadvantageous position in Copa del Rey as well.
The UEFA Champions League remains Ancelotti’s best bet to win a trophy this season. Should he do so, the Italian could continue at Real Madrid or even possibly sign a new contract extension.
But, failure to land the trophy could end his second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu and Pochettino is said to be the frontrunner for the position in that case.
The Argentine is currently unemployed after being sacked by PSG in July last year. The 51-year-old did not have the most memorable of stints in Paris but his stock has not diminished in the Real Madrid offices, who had considered appointing him once before as well.
Thomas Tuchel was also a candidate for Real Madrid and talks were also held with him. But, the club informed him that if Ancelotti won the UCL, he would stay on, which played a part in the German signing for Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, club legend Raul Gonzalez, who is currently the manager of Real Madrid Castilla, is also a candidate, but is seen only as Plan B, with Pochettino very much the frontrunner at this point.
A lot will depend on how the rest of the season pans out and whether Ancelotti is able to lead Real Madrid to back-to-back Champions League triumphs.
