Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will have to shell out €15 million plus add-ons to sign Brazilian centre-forward
Earlier this week, reports in Brazil emerged claiming that Real Madrid had taken an interest in Santos centre-forward Marcos Leonardo.
The 20-year-old striker has enjoyed a fine campaign in 2023, scoring 21 goals in all competitions, which has put him on the radars of top clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid and Newcastle United.
Real Madrid learn fee for Leonardo
Now, according to a fresh update from Goal Brazil, Real Madrid have learned how much they will have to shell out if they wish to sign Marcos Leonardo.
As per the report, Santos FC are now considering the possibility of selling their asset, with the striker’s entourage also working towards securing a move to Europe for him in January 2024.
Santos would be willing to consider any proposal that is an improvement on the one that had arrived from AS Roma during the last transfer window.
The Giallorossi had offered €12 million fixed fee plus another €6 million in variables during the summer, but it was shot down by Santos.
As such, the Brazilian outfit will hold out for a fixed fee of €15 million plus add-ons to sell Leonardo amid interest from Real Madrid and Newcastle.
Premier League seen as an interesting destination
As mentioned earlier, Marcos Leonardo’s entourage is working towards bringing forth an offer that would meet Santos’ demands in January next year.
Even though Real Madrid and AS Roma are interested, the Premier League is being seen as an interesting destination for the 20-year-old, irrespective of whether it is Newcastle United or a different club altogether.
Leonardo has a contract with Santos that runs until December 31, 2026 and comes with a €100 million release clause.
But they appear willing to listen to offers in the region of €15 million and it now remains to be seen if Real Madrid are ready to meet that valuation come January or summer.
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
🆚 @en_sscnapoli #UCL pic.twitter.com/MarLb7TavA
Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
