Real Madrid News
Real Madrid tracking Brazilian prodigy since 2021, face Premier League competition
Real Madrid have established a solid reputation for nurturing South American talents, with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Federico Valverde enjoying immense success at the Santiago Bernabeu in recent years.
Real Madrid also splurged big on exciting Brazilian talent Endrick earlier in the season. The youngster is set to arrive in Bernabeu in 2024 when he turns 18.
But Endrick was not the last target for Real Madrid as they look to further strengthen the presence of South American talents in the squad. One of their top targets in the region is Matheus Franca.
According to Diario AS, Real Madrid are one of many clubs keeping tabs on Franca, who currently plies his trade for Flamengo. The reigning European champions have been following the young playmaker’s progress since 2021.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Franca is part of Flamengo’s first team. He has featured in 43 competitive appearances for the Brazilian outfit, racking up eight goals.
Flamengo, though, have appeared very reluctant in offloading their star talent on a cut-price deal. They have already rejected €20 million offers from Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle United in the past and have recently renewed the player’s contract until 2027.
Franca’s current deal includes a hefty release clause of €200 million, making it even harder for Real Madrid to even consider a move for the player. Although Flamengo are open to negotiations, it is unlikely that the Brazilian would sell the player for cheap.
Another issue for Real Madrid is the growing competition for Franca’s services. Crystal Palace have become the latest entrant in the race to sign the young Brazilian, who has been courted by other European clubs such as Olympique Lyon, Leverkusen and Newcastle United.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
