Apart from offering an update on Real Madrid’s pursuit of Jude Bellingham, a recent report from The Athletic has revealed that the Spanish giants were also interested in a move for Enzo Fernandez during the January transfer window.
Considered one of the most talented young midfield prospects in world football right now, Fernandez made a blistering breakthrough at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping Argentina secure the coveted trophy while winning the Best Young Player of the tournament award.
Fernandez’s performances for Argentina at the World Cup, coupled with his success at SL Benfica, convinced Chelsea to fork out a whopping €121 million on the midfielder during the January transfer window.
But as per The Athletic, Manchester City, along with Real Madrid were among the clubs interested in the services of Fernandez, shortly before his move to Chelsea.
Real Madrid’s interest in the young Argentine is hardly surprising, as the Spanish giants were looking for midfield reinforcements at the time, especially with uncertainty over the continuity of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
While both these veterans are now likely to extend, it was not the case at the time. Moreover, Dani Ceballos had not enjoyed the same level of turnaround he is enjoying right now, all of which accentuated the need for a fresh new midfielder.
That is where Enzo was an appealing option for Los Blancos. In addition to his youthful exuberance, the Argentine’s work-ethic, aggression and commitment might have made him an ideal long-term replacement for someone like Casemiro.
But Real Madrid did not end up making a move for Fernandez, perhaps due to his mammoth €121 million. The club, instead, are focusing on making a move for Jude Bellingham in the coming summer.
Real Madrid’s top priority for the summer is to sign a new forward – report
Over the past few months, it has been constantly speculated that Real Madrid have made the signing of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund their top priority for the summer transfer window.
The England international is seen as the long-term replacement for Luka Modric, who will be turning later 38 this year. While positive talks have been held with the teenager’s camp, Real Madrid are no longer optimistic about his signing as they are unwilling to pay €150 million for him.
Furthermore, The Athletic is reporting that Los Blancos have now made the signing of a new forward as their No. 1 priority for the summer transfer window.
Karim Benzema, who is expected to renew for one more season, is 35 years old and needs to be managed carefully in light of his recent fitness problems.
So, it makes sense for Real Madrid to want to recruit a new No. 9 in the summer transfer window. There have been links to the likes of Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus), Richarlison (Tottenham) and more recently Rasmus Hojlund (Atalanta).
Carlo Ancelotti has often used Rodrygo centrally this season when Benzema has been unavailable. If the Brazilian is seen as a long-term option in that position, Los Blancos could look for a right-sided attacker, especially with Marco Asensio’s continuity not guaranteed.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Napoli and Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman have been some of the names linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
It will be interesting to see how Real Madrid plan to go about things in the summer and whether they prioritise the signing of a new attacker over Bellingham.
