Rodri is history. Now Real Madrid need to find a new midfielder – and fast. Just two weeks before the start of the season, José Mourinho and Florentino Pérez are looking for a replacement. Three names are at the top of the wish list: Alexis Mac Allister, Martín Zubimendi and Fabián Ruiz.
But there’s one catch: no signings happen until either Aurélien Tchouaméni or Eduardo Camavinga are sold.
Mark Goldbridge does not think Sander Berge to Manchester United is a good idea.
Option 1: Alexis Mac Allister – the Liverpool will on the way out?
The first choice is Alexis Mac Allister. The 27-year-old has asked to leave Liverpool, and Andoni Iraola’s side are said to be willing to let him go for €70 million. The Argentine has a contract until 2028, but reportedly wants a new challenge. Real Madrid are monitoring the situation closely – and the price is high, but affordable.
Option 2: Martín Zubimendi – Arsenal’s Spanish playmaker
Number two on the list is Martín Zubimendi. He is also 27 years old – and a Spaniard. With Bruno Guimarães on his way to Arsenal, Zubimendi is considering his own future. The London club are demanding €80 million to release him, and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is keeping a close eye on developments.
Option 3: Fabián Ruiz – the affordable choice
The third option is Fabián Ruiz from PSG. The 30-year-old recently renewed his contract, but is still considering a return to Spanish football. PSG are said to be willing to release him for around €50 million – if the player himself asks to leave. That makes him the most economical option of the three.
Mourinho wants creativity – but sales must come first
Mourinho has been clear: He needs a creative midfielder in his system. But the Real Madrid management insists that they will not make offers for any of the three until they have sold one of their own Frenchmen – Tchouaméni or Camavinga.
The plan is to wait until the second week of August. If a sale is completed, the club will immediately contact Liverpool, Arsenal or PSG to start negotiations.
Real Madrid have lost Rodri. Now it is urgent to find a new conductor in the middle. The question is who will be sold first – and who will be picked up.
Within a week, Jens Hjertø-Dahl is suddenly ready for a Premier League club
