Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has never been afraid of a statement signing.
From Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane to Cristiano Ronaldo and Jude Bellingham, the club has built its modern identity around attracting the biggest names in world football. Now Perez has promised something even bigger, revealing that Real Madrid are preparing a record-breaking bid worth at least €150 million for a new Galactico.
The clues are intriguing. Perez says the target is:
- Not a defender
- Does not play in the Premier League
- Is a young player currently at a Champions League club.
Bet9ja has already priced up some of the leading contenders. Here are the names most likely to be heading to the Bernabeu.
Rodri – 2.65
Rodri is the current favourite at Bet9ja and arguably makes the most sense.
Real Madrid have lacked a true midfield controller since Kroos stepped away, and the Ballon d’Or winner would instantly solve that problem. He is already regarded by many as the best defensive midfielder in world football and would give Madrid a dominant spine for years to come.
The concern is Perez’s description of a “young” player that isn’t in the Premier League. Rodri is 29 and does not fit that profile, although his quality makes him impossible to ignore.
His recent comments about postponing discussions regarding his future until after the World Cup have only added fuel to the speculation.
Michael Olise – 3.00
Perez insists it is not Olise…the problem is that not everyone believes him.
Reports continue to link the Bayern Munich winger with Madrid, and his profile certainly fits. He is young, exciting, productive and already one of the most dangerous attacking players in Europe.
After a phenomenal campaign with Bayern, Olise would instantly become one of the biggest stars at the Bernabeu.
The issue is Bayern’s stance. Club figures have repeatedly described him as untouchable.
Enzo Fernandez – 3.50
Enzo is one of the most heavily linked names.
Reports in Spain suggest personal terms may already be in place, with Chelsea’s asking price the main obstacle. The Argentine midfielder would give Madrid exactly the kind of control and technical quality they have been searching for since Toni Kroos retired.
At 25, he also fits the age profile Perez appears to be targeting.
The only question is whether Chelsea are willing to sell.
Jamal Musiala – 5.00
If Madrid want a Galactico, Musiala certainly qualifies.
The Bayern Munich star has already established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players and still has his best years ahead of him. He can operate as a midfielder, number 10 or winger, giving Jose Mourinho enormous tactical flexibility.
Perez has always loved players capable of producing moments of magic, and few young players offer more of them than Musiala.
A move would be expensive, but then so is every player on this list.
Julian Alvarez – 5.00
Alvarez is an interesting candidate.
The Atletico Madrid striker enjoyed another excellent season and heads into the World Cup as one of Argentina’s key players. His energy, versatility and goalscoring record make him an attractive option.
However, signing directly from city rivals Atletico Madrid would be incredibly difficult. That factor alone may make a deal less likely than the odds suggest – not to mention Barcelona, PSG and Arsenal’s interest in the Argentine.
The PSG Trio
Three PSG players are also listed in the market: Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery and Desire Doue.
Vitinha may actually fit Perez’s clues better than almost anyone. He is one of the best midfielders in world football, plays for a Champions League-winning side and would instantly improve Madrid’s midfield.
Doue and Zaire-Emery are younger and arguably fit the “Galactico of the future” description even more closely. However, PSG are unlikely to entertain offers for either player after building their project around young stars.
Verdict
If Perez is being completely truthful, several names can probably be ruled out.
Olise has been publicly dismissed, Rodri may not match the profile described, and Alvarez would be difficult to prise away from Atletico Madrid.
That leaves Musiala, Enzo Fernandez and Vitinha as the most convincing candidates.
Of those four, Vitinha perhaps ticks the most boxes. He is at a Champions League club, does not play in the Premier League, is approaching his peak years and would address Madrid’s biggest need in midfield.
Still, when Florentino Perez starts talking about Galacticos, surprises are usually part of the package. We’ll find out soon enough whether Real Madrid are about to break their transfer record once again.
