There are several players who have been linked with a move to the Spanish capital over the past few years. Some of the names mentioned are Aurelien Tchouameni, Christopher Nkunku, Youri Tielemans, and Rafael Leao. Which of them should Real Madrid sign? And what do they cost? Here are my thoughts on each player. Is there anyone you think is worth the money?
Aurelien Tchouameni
French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has signed for Real Madrid. The 22-year-old had been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and PSG, but he ultimately decided to join Real Madrid instead. The Frenchman will undergo a medical on Tuesday. The player was part of Monaco’s Ligue 1 third-placed team last season and has made 11 international appearances for his country.
France international Aurelien Tchouameni has signed for Real Madrid on a six-year contract. The deal will keep him at the club until 2028 and will reportedly fetch him PS150,000-a-week. After being linked with several other clubs, the player decided to join Real Madrid, who have a history of signing high-calibre players. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United were also keeping an eye on his development.
After signing Kylian Mbappe, Tchouameni will join a squad containing three world-class players. The French club will likely have a surplus of money after signing Tchouameni, but the French team will need a player with a quality goal-scoring record. Real Madrid have reportedly been linked with the midfielder, but it remains to be seen whether his arrival in the summer transfer window will be beneficial for the club.
Real Madrid had their sights set on signing Kylian Mbappe from PSG, but after his contract extension with the French club, the French side wanted to get the upper hand by bringing Tchouameni to the Spanish capital. The signing of Tchouameni, who has been linked with Real Madrid since 2016, accelerated the Spanish giants’ efforts to sign the Frenchman.
With the Champions League title in their grasp, Real Madrid have been busy signing free agents in recent months. In the summer transfer window, Real Madrid will also be keen on bringing in a new midfielder as the squad has become increasingly crowded and a bit overcrowded. The club will also have to sell some players to make room for this new arrival.
Tchouameni made his name in the Bordeaux youth teams and made his first team debut in the Europa League last summer. Prior to that, he was part of France’s youth teams for several years. He could have chosen Cameroon as his national side through his parents, but stayed in France and saw his development skyrocket. But his performances at Bordeaux matched the expectations of the Spanish club.
Christopher Nkunku
If the Spanish giants have an open mind when it comes to a summer transfer window, they should consider signing the versatile French playmaker, Christopher Nkunku. With his versatility and all-round game, Nkunku could easily play any position, from the number 9 to the left or right wing. In addition, he has a proven track record in each position. The versatility of Nkunku has also led to rumours that he would not fit in at Real Madrid. But that’s not true – he has already played in many different positions for several different clubs and is one of the best in each.
The Frenchman’s 2021/22 season was his breakout season. While he did score a record eight goals for RB Leipzig, he had a good season before that. Compared to the other attacking players in Thomas Tuchel’s side, he went from being a solid player to a top-scorer and a potential Ballon d’Or contender.
RB Leipzig are a strong contender for Nkunku and have been under no pressure to sell him. RB Leipzig could quote a price of EUR50 million for the midfielder. Real Madrid’s recent record suggests that Ancelotti will continue to prioritize young midfielders over experience. After all, the Frenchman has already made a strong start in his debut season in Spain.
If Real Madrid were to buy a forward with a €60m release clause, they could be tempted to do so. The Frenchman is currently on the radar of many clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United. If RB Leipzig cannot hold onto him, then they could be facing an all-out transfer war. However, this is not an infallible solution and Nkunku’s future remains to be seen.
RB Leipzig are prepared to offer a new contract to Nkunku. The Frenchman had been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool, and PSG, but has reportedly agreed a contract with RB Leipzig that includes a EUR60 million release clause. The release clause is set to be activated in 2023. So Real Madrid should look into this option in the summer transfer window.
Youri Tielemans
If Leicester City cannot land a new contract for Youri Tielemans, Real Madrid might be interested. Leicester could cash in on the Belgian’s potential by signing him on a free transfer. Real Madrid and Barcelona are both monitoring the situation and may decide to opt out of a big-money bid for the player. However, if the Belgian is willing to move to Spain, a deal with Real Madrid is a very good option for both parties.
The Premier League side are increasingly hopeful that Youri Tielemans will join them in the summer transfer window. However, they have been told not to pursue him by Leicester, who are keen to keep him at the King Power Stadium. Meanwhile, Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Sadio Mane, who is also eyeing a move to La Liga. As for Leicester City, the club’s youth development programme has helped them develop the talent.
Tottenham were also linked with Youri Tielemans but failed to make a move. Several rivals have reportedly been eyeing the Belgium international, while Manchester City are hoping to sign him as a replacement for Luka Modric. Tottenham, meanwhile, were monitoring Tielemans but have since signed Yves Bissouma from Brighton.
The two clubs are in need of a winger. However, the Italian club may prefer to sign a centre-back, like Emerson Royal. Axel Witsel is also a free agent and is said to be keen on a move to Atletico. If Real Madrid want to sign a right winger, they may be interested in signing a centre-back.
While Tielemans has been a popular player at Leicester, it is unlikely that his transfer to Real is overshadowed by the Vieira deal. The Vieira deal is a separate deal and Arsenal’s pursuit of Tielemans is unlikely to halt any time soon. However, the club also hope to sign Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City. While this is not a transfer aimed at Youri Tielemans, the former Leicester City midfielder has been linked with the Spanish giants for a long time. He will wear the No. 9 shirt vacated by Alexe Lacazette.
Rafael Leao
Real Madrid have been linked with a move for 22-year-old Portuguese international Rafael Leao this summer. The Portuguese international has been with AC Milan since August and has been in impressive form for the Italian side. He has scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists for his club in Serie A. While he may not cost the club the kind of money Kylian Mbappe will command, Leao is more than worth the extra money.
Although Real Madrid are looking at other options, they should not overlook Leao’s versatility. Whether he’s playing on the left or right, Leao is a versatile striker who has experience playing as a left winger. He is unpredictable and dynamic on the opposite flank, and he will provide a creative outlet for Carlo Ancelotti to set up a fluid attacking unit at Real Madrid.
AC Milan director Paolo Maldini has warned his club not to sell Rafael Leao, the player who is believed to be worth over EUR100 million. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have failed to sign Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in the last transfer window. However, a recent report claims that Real Madrid are interested in signing Leao as a replacement for the injured Kylian Mbappe.
The Portuguese forward has been a key figure for AC Milan this season, winning the league title. AC Milan don’t want to sell Leao, and the striker hopes to extend his contract until 2023. The €120 million fee Real Madrid are willing to pay for Leao would be enough to win the European champions. While Leao’s contract is expiring in 2023, Real Madrid should still consider signing him if they’re willing to make the financial commitment.
After his successful campaign with AC Milan, the club may need to find a new striker. Leao has been linked with Real Madrid along with Romelu Lukaku, but the club has yet to sign either of them. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Lukaku’s future, Real Madrid should continue their pursuit of Leao. The former Manchester City player has impressed many of his former clubs and could be a valuable addition to the Spanish national team.
