Manchester United striker Alexis Sanchez is apparently looking for a move outside the EPL and Real Madrid is on his mind according to sources. How plausible is the move though?
The good‘ol rumor mill, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Like the sun, it’s not always visible but you know somewhere, someplace it’s shining brightly as always.
Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez is reportedly looking to move out of Old Trafford as per Fox Sports. It seems that the number 7 has gotten bored in Manchester or his relationship with Jose Mourinho has gone sour. As is the case with many players and the Portuguese manager.
Alexis arrived at the highly decorated club back in January of 2018 from Arsenal. Since that time he has failed to add any silverware to his cabinet. But at that same time, United have gone through an immense shift, and continue to do so.
The source close to Sanchez said “He is totally fed up and at the end of his tether with Mourinho. He knows he can’t leave right now but is in talks with his agent about what they can do to try and sort the situation out.”
This season Alexi’s playing time has decreased quite a sum, which is, of course, a frustration for any player regardless of caliber. His may not be at his fastest or strongest but that’s not to say it could all change if placed in the right environment. Sanchez has played 11 matches since the beginning of the 2018/19 campaign, starting just once. Not the kind of playing time you’d expect to see. Real Madrid though could change all that for the winger.
Alexis Sanchez's agent 'begins talks' with Real Madrid https://t.co/Mupun2OtNh pic.twitter.com/yYQeDIJnPY
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) November 13, 2018
In need of another attacker who can be a difference maker from the get go Alexis may be a great fit for Madrid. At 29 years-old he possesses the game IQ to be effective, the ability to change the game as an individual as well as to improve those around him. The number 7 has played with plenty of clubs in South America, Italy, Arsenal and most notably Barcelona.
There are three main factors as to whether the Chilean will trade Manchester for Madrid. Each one carrying a different weight as they vary between emotional and logical.
First is the simple fact that Sanchez used to play for Barcelona. Going from Arsenal to United is quite a shift, but the rivalry in Spain runs deep. Questioning the impact Barcelona had on his career over the two years he spent there is something only he can answer. If he feels strongly about it he may be reluctant to come to the Whites. It isn’t often that we see players make that sort of change nor is it welcomed by fans who see the player as a traitor.
The second key factor is Madrid’s chase for Icardi. It has become clear over the last few months that Real Madrid is interested in the Inter Milan man. Icardi’s talent in front of goal is unquestionable, the kind of skill any team would love to boast. If Alexis Sanchez is even in Real Madrid’s radar it will most likely be a case of one or the other. It is highly unlikely Madrid will purchase both players, especially considering other areas of the team require attention as well.
Last but not least is eligibility and fit. Whether Manchester United make it out of the group stage or not will have no effect on Sanchez’s eligibility with Real. The UCL knockout round starts February 13, which is after the closing of the January transfer window.
In addition, who would be dropped as a result of his arrival? Would Benzema be told to take a seat? Because despite horrendous form at some points he’s still been given the start. What about Gareth Bale? Well, he’s a ‘Galactico’ so surely he has to play if fit. That leaves players like Asensio, Vinicius Jr, or even Isco out of the picture. Players who are much younger than Alexis. Do you risk their presence in the long run for a short term of happiness?
There are lots of questions that can be asked and not all have answers, unfortunately. The only ones that do are the board members of Real Madrid FC. Time will tell if Alexis makes his way over in January or if anybody else does.