Scorned Real Madrid plot Man City revenge transfer after Liverpool deal turns sour
Man City stars Jack Grealish, Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne
Real Madrid are sizing up a high profile addition to their forward line and in lieu of a Liverpool deal being riddled with holes, a Man City raid is now taking centre stage, per reports.
Real Madrid were humbled in the competition they cherish above all others on Wednesday night. Pep Guardiola’s Man City took Real to the cleaners and but for another heroic display from Thibaut Courtois, the 4-0 (5-1 on agg.) scoreline could’ve looked even uglier.
Real are expected to be active in the summer window and the anticipated arrival of Jude Bellingham will breathe new life into their midfield.
However, according to reports out of Spain, signing a player who can back up and then potentially replace the ageing Karim Benzema is also a priority.
Benzema is the current Ballon d’Or holder, though was a mere passenger at the Etihad during the week. The veteran Frenchman will turn 36 later this year and a club like Real cannot afford to be caught short in such a pivotal position.
There have been long-standing rumours of blockbuster moves for either Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland down the line. However, per the Spanish press, the solution could come from either Liverpool or Man City this summer.
Real Madrid eyeing Firmino, Alvarez
As cited by Goal, it’s reported Real Madrid hold significant interest in departing Liverpool legend, Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian will leave the Reds as a free agent this summer and his ‘experience and quality’ would be valued at The Bernabeu.
However, the report notes that despite the move not costing a transfer fee, there are a laundry list of drawbacks.
Firstly, Firmino’s age – 31 – means Real could be saddled with two centre-forwards who are on the decline.
Furthermore, Firmino would reportedly seek a contract for either two or three years and Real are reluctant to stretch that far for a player already the wrong side of 30.
Additionally, Firmino will want to be a regular at his next club and that won’t happen while Benzema is there.
As such, it’s suggested Real will opt against moving for Firmino despite their admiration for the player.
Instead, a second report (also cited by Goal), reveals Man City’s Julian Alvarez is in their sights.
The Argentine, 23, would be a regular starter at most clubs in world football. However, he has the insurmountable hurdle of a man named Erling Haaland in his path at the Etihad.
Real president, Florentino Perez, is reportedly the driving force behind the Spanish side’s interest in Alvarez. In the article’s words, Perez has ‘set his sights’ on the City frontman.
Alvarez is believed to be valued around the €50m mark and Real are ‘willing to pay’ if the player indicates he’d be interested in moving.
Key to Real’s hopes will be the notion that Alvarez can succeed Benzema as Real Madrid’s go-to centre-forward in short order.
Alvarez stands virtually no chance of being first-choice at Man City given the presence of Haaland, unless Guardiola tinkers with his system and finds a way to fit both into his strongest eleven, of course.
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