Real Madrid News
Real Madrid to consider three criteria before signing a new striker
In just two league games, Real Madrid already have six different goalscorers. The statistic is a testament that the team always finds new outlets to score when needed but also sparks a mild concern over the centre-forward position.
Karim Benzema has been far from his best in the two La Liga games so far and his only goal came from a penalty. One can be assured that the Frenchman will recover his form in the coming days but it is concerning that there is no backup option.
According to reports from AS (h/t RM4Arab), Los Blancos do not want to sign a striker without a logical reason. They want to make sure that the player they sign is young, talented and approved by the entire board as a replacement for Karim Benzema.
One of the main reasons Real Madrid are hesitant to sign a forward is that they want to avoid another Luka Jovic or Mariano situation. Both the strikers were brought in to cover for Benzema in recent years but failed to make any impact.
Real Madrid will not pursue a star signing for the striker position, and thus, have been on the constant lookout for young talents. Jonathan Burkardt, Sasa Kalajdzic, Roko Simic, Brian Brobbey and Noah Okafor are some of the profiles Los Blancos are scouting.
One striker who the club have already signed is Iker Bravo. While the official announcement has not yet been made, the club have an agreement in place with the Spaniard and are just awaiting FIFA’s approval.
The teenager was phenomenal last season with Bayer Leverkusen’s youth teams and will join Castilla where he will work under Raul Gonzalez.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
Abdulhakeem Abubakar Mahmud
August 24, 2022 at 1:48 pm
I totally agree with the RM board regarding careful choice of striker but can try Latasa and Rodrigo Goes as Benzema backup for this season while Valverde will continue as RW.