Real Madrid have started their search for the long-term replacement of their star midfield duo Toni Kroos and Lucas Modric. Spanish giants have shortlisted Borussia Dortmund box-to-box midfielder Jude Bellingham and Ajax midfield playmaker Ryan Gravenberch for the summer shopping. It has been reported that Real Madrid management is looking for young potential over established players like Paul Pogba and Franck Kessie.
The 19-year-old Holland international is one of the most sought out midfield players of his generation and can be an era-defining player in the coming years. Gravenberch has already confirmed Real Madrid is his favorite club and he will choose them over any club in the world. Gravenberch has just eighteen months remaining on his Ajax contract which will them hard to negotiate a higher transfer fee for the playmaker. According to a report from Defensa Central, Real Madrid are looking to contact Ajax for Gravenberch’s signature this summer.
Gravenberch emerged through academy ranks at Amsterdam Arena and has already made 78 appearances for the senior teams with 10 goals. He has scored 1 and assisted 3 goals in 19 Eredivisie appearances this season and appeared in all 6 Champions League matches as well. He has been backed by Ajax backroom staff for his fitness, vision, and work rate, which matches the similarity to Toni Kroos during his Bayern Munich days.
Real Madrid Join Jude Bellingham Race:
Real Madrid have already signed another one for the future midfielder Eduardo Camavinga last summer and already drafted in midfield by manager Carlo Ancelotti this season. Real Madrid are mounting a La Liga title challenge this season and sit in the 1st position with 49 points from 21 matches. Second-placed Sevilla are just 3 points behind them so there will be some pressure on Los Blancos to sign reinforcements to bolster their chances.
Spanish outlet Marca reports that Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham has emerged as latest transfer target for Real Madrid. The 18-year-old English international has been in sensational form for the Bundesliga giants this season with 3 goals and 6 assists in 18 league matches. Premier League giants Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United are also keeping tabs on Bellingham who has two and half years remaining on his contract.
Bellingham has valued at £80 million and Gravenberch at £40 million, and transfer value will surely increase in the summer transfer window as both youngsters are in great form lately. Real Madrid are also chasing Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and AC Milan ace Franck Kessie who will be available for free transfer this summer. Same Marca report suggests that Real Madrid have cooled down their interest in Paul Pogba recently due to his consistent injury issues at Old Trafford.
?| Real Madrid’s radar:
• Bellingham.
• Tchouameni.
• Wirtz.
• Gravenberch.
• Fofana.
• Endrick.That’s the focus after Mbappe & Haaland. @marca pic.twitter.com/6QRQnQBw2q
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) January 21, 2022
Real Madrid will definitely sign one or two big-name midfielders in the summer as both Modric and Kroos are expected to leave Santiago Bernabeu after a hugely successful career. Manchester City have already failed with their approach for Modric last week but will surely try to sign him with another improved offer. Manchester United and Liverpool are looking to bring Toni Kroos to Premier League as the German legend will be in his finals twelve months of contract this summer.