Real Madrid has a clear need in midfield, not because of a lack of players, but because of the departure of two players of the caliber of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, who have no heir apparent in the current squad. The arrival of Franco Mastantuono goes some way to solving the problem, but the Whites are not ruling out further strengthening the midfield in the short to medium term. Several names have fallen by the wayside, while one player is gaining momentum on the Whites’ agenda.
Real Madrid continues to follow Lucas Bergvall
As part of its efforts to strengthen the midfield, Real Madrid has its eye on a young talent from the Premier League. Lucas Bergvall, a Tottenham player, is on the Whites’ agenda. Lucas Bergvall renewed his contract with Tottenham after a successful first season with the English club, which he joined for €10 million from Djurgarden. The new contract runs until June 2031. Transfermarkt currently estimates his market value at €25 million.
Lucas Bergvall, only 19 years old, was on the verge of joining FC Barcelona last season, but the Catalan club’s financial situation prevented them from competing with the nearly $2 million net salary offered by the English club. Tottenham paid $10 million, while Barcelona offered $7 million and a spot on the reserve team.
Now, this 1.87-meter-tall midfielder has caught the attention of Real Madrid. The player fits the profile sought by the Madrid club: a young player with a bright future and an affordable price tag after having already proven his worth in top-flight football.
Those who have fallen by the wayside
Real Madrid has been looking for months for the right player for its midfield, and several names have been mentioned but ultimately ruled out for one reason or another. The latest name to be mentioned with hope that a final push would make it possible was Martín Zubimendi, who will ultimately be heading to Arsenal, which will pay Real Sociedad a hefty sum that the Madrid club was not willing to match.
Another player who has also opted to sign with one of Real Madrid’s rivals in the Club World Cup is Tijiani Reijnders, who has sealed his move to Manchester City and is already traveling to the United States. Another player who was rumored to be in negotiations is German Angelo Stiller, but given the priority of signing Mastantuono and the fact that his release clause would have to be paid in full, around €56 million, Real Madrid has decided to shelve the deal.
There are other players on the agenda, but they are unattainable due to their high cost and their clubs’ refusal to let them go. We are talking about names such as Mac Allister, whom Liverpool is not willing to sell. The same goes for Vitinha, who would require an investment on a par with that rejected for Florian Wirtz, an express request from Xabi Alonso.