Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been vocal about his desire to sign a left back in the summer transfer window. Reports have indicated that promising French international Ferland Mendy could be Zizou’s choice.
After the season Marcelo just had, Real Madrid’s successful manager is hoping to bring in a replacement or a more significant competitor to test the Brazilian should he stay like he has said he wants to.
According to Goal, Los Blancos have inquired as to what the asking price would be for the 23-year-old defender who was a staple of the Lyon back line in 2018/2019. Mendy averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.4 clearances, and 1.1 interceptions in 30 Ligue 1 appearances, earning plenty of praise from big name clubs across the continent.
Despite having Sergio Reguilon, Achraf Hakimi, and Theo Hernandez all at his disposal, Zidane seems ready to flip the team and start anew after what was one of the worst La Liga campaign’s the club has seen in decades.
Mendy dominates Marcelo on the stat line with a much better overall showing while playing more league matches and minutes.
The defensive problems Real Madrid experienced this season aren’t only the fault of Marcelo, however. Some lackluster goalkeeping from Thibaut Courtois and constant injuries to Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal, and Raphael Varane caused a great deal of uncertainty.
Mendy could shore those issues up thanks to his style of play. That French connection and an ability to pass and push upfield is likely what has drawn Zizou’s wayward eye. Mendy’s physicality and skill when looking playing the ball long factor into this interest as well.
Whether or not Marcelo’s poor form was a flash in the pan, it is undeniable that the Brazilian speedster is getting up there in age. At 31, he is likely on the back end of his career in Spain having played an outstanding 19 years with Real Madrid while winning countless titles with several club legends.
The Brazilian is under contract until 2022 and could still have a role on the first team having worked so closely with Zidane in the past. That being said, Mendy looks to me to be a great choice if president Florentino Perez ops to look for a new left fullback during this summer window.
I wouldn’t say making a move to get Mendy is a priority. Eden Hazard has to be the focus no matter what his price tag. It’s clear that Gareth Bale will not be back with the club and someone needs to be added to rejuvenate the attack.