Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will look to sign a backup striker in the summer – report
Real Madrid have had issues with a lack of depth in some positions in their squad this season. The most glaring issue in Carlo Ancelotti’s roster has been the absence of a backup striker for captain and ace goalscorer Karim Benzema.
Having allowed Luka Jovic to leave, Ancelotti was left with just Mariano Diaz as the only other natural centre-forward in the squad, but the forward is out of favour and has hardly played this season.
It has compelled the manager to utilise Rodrygo as a No. 9 when Benzema has been unavailable, which has been a regular occurrence this term due to the Frenchman’s fitness problems.
While the Brazilian has performed well while operating through the middle, it cannot be a long-term solution for Real Madrid.
Hence, according to AS, the reigning champions of Spain and Europe are planning to bring in a new ‘backup’ striker in the summer transfer window.
Despite Mariano wanting to continue at the club, the forward will not be given a new contract and will be released when his current one expires at the end of the season. So, there will be room for a new No. 9 to arrive in the summer.
At the same time, Real Madrid also want to go after Erling Haaland in 2024.
Due to their schemes of pursuing Haaland and the arrival of Endrick next year, Los Blancos will particularly look for a backup striker who can do the job for one season – akin to the past signings of Javier Hernandez or Emmanuel Adebayor.
There are no names on the agenda as of yet, but the plan is to recruit a new backup for Benzema who can serve the team for a year before Real Madrid welcome Endrick into the fold and go after Haaland’s signing.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
Ramanosky
January 29, 2023 at 10:33 am
RM should look into castilla, there are wonder
kids there