Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will need to shell out €60-70 million for young defensive duo – report
As is well-established by now, Real Madrid will sign a new centre-back as early as January after the season-ending injury to Eder Militao has left them with only Antonio Rudiger as the established central defender.
Over the past few days, several names have emerged as possible targets for the Spanish champions.
Recent reports suggested that Al Nassr’s Aymeric Laporte was seen as the best bet owing to his experience and proven pedigree, although his asking price and wages could pose an issue.
Jorrel Hato and Castello Lukeba the most liked by Real Madrid
However, now, MARCA reports that Real Madrid seem to leaning towards younger players, with AFC Ajax’s Jorrel Hato and Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig standing out.
Hato has established himself as a permanent fixture in the starting XI for Ajax despite being just a teenager and is one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe thanks to his potential and versatility. And Real Madrid have taken an interest in the 18-year-old.
Meanwhile, Lukeba has been on Real Madrid’s radar for a while now with the Frenchman also being well-liked due to his age and unlimited potential.
As per the report, a move for either Hato or Lukeba would cost Real Madrid a transfer fee of around €60-70 million be it in the winter or in the summer transfer window.
Lukeba, for his part, has a release clause worth €80 million in his contract but as was seen with Dani Olmo last summer, RB Leipzig would be open to negotiating a lower fee for their player.
It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid do make a move for either Hato or Lukeba come January or decide to wait until the summer.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
