Real Madrid News
Report: Man United forward can be ‘plan B’ for Real Madrid if Haaland operation falls
Real Madrid have identified Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani as Erling Haaland’s alternative if the latter does, in fact, escape the clutches by deciding to join any other team in the summer.
As reported by Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Madrid expect Cavani to accompany Karim Benzema next season in the hour of need. The 35-year-old Uruguayan may very well be on the wrong side of his 30s, but the experience he would bring will be invaluable, to say the very least.
Real Madrid are aware of the fact that signing Cavani would not be a long-term solution. But since Haaland has generated so much demand, there are high chances that he may well and truly decide to go elsewhere.
In that case, Cavani would be the most viable option since he would arrive on a free transfer while his salary wouldn’t make a big hole in Madrid’s pockets. Above all, Madrid would be absolutely clear during the negotiations that he will only be a second choice to Benzema.
In all fairness, that shouldn’t be a big concern for the player as he is already playing second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.
At 35 years of age, Cavani cannot really ask for much since he has largely struggled to stay fit during his time at Old Trafford. This season alone, the veteran forward has only made 17 appearances across all competitions, scoring just two goals and one assist.
And so, any offer from Real Madrid would be nothing short of a holy writ. Or if he wishes to finally enjoy the final years, there will always be interest from South America. Fichajes adds that Brazilian side Botafogo are one of the teams keeping a close eye.
According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid have joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Gabriel Rajkovic, a 15-year-old winger whose rapid development at Valerenga has already attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading sides.
The Merengues are known for keeping an eye on exciting young talent across the globe and it seems that Rajkovic’s exploits in Norway, with the first team, have alerted them.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Rajkovic
As per the report, Real Madrid are among a host of clubs closely following the progress of the young forward.
Rajkovic holds both Norwegian and Serbian nationality and has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Norway.
His development has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also understood to be monitoring him.
However, at this point, it is Arsenal and Chelsea, who are understood to be leading the charge for Rajkovic, having compiled a detailed dossier on the teenage prodigy after extensive scouting.
On top of that, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched Rajkovic in recent weeks.
Real Madrid could therefore face significant competition if they decide to step up their interest in a player who has already made an impression at senior level.
Making an impact at just 15
Rajkovic was handed a promotion to the Valerenga first-team squad in January earlier this year, when he was only 14 years old.
Following that, he signed a new contract with the club in March, when he turned 15, committing to the club until 2028.
Despite being only 15, the winger has already begun gaining experience in first-team football. In all, he has made 14 senior appearances for the Norwegian outfit, scoring three and assisting one goal.
Rajkovic has also represented Norway Under-16s, making two appearances and scoring once despite being younger than many of his teammates.
Those numbers become more impressive when his age and stage of development are taken into account.
Real Madrid have built a reputation for identifying young talent well before players reach their peak, and Rajkovic has now emerged as another name on their scouting radar.
But given the number of clubs in the race, signing the teenage wonderkid will not be easy.
