Word around the Spanish capital is that Real Madrid is keeping tabs on Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic and could make a move for him this summer. This would be a huge mistake.
Let me begin by saying that the 27-year-old Croatian international is a phenomenal player and has had a long, illustrious career in both the Russian Premier League and in Serie A over the last decade.
Though not nearly as good, Brozovic has some of the same traits as Real Madrid starlet Luka Modric. It makes sense since the two have played together on the national team for several years.
According to reports, with an eye to the future, manager Zinedine Zidane is “very interested” in bringing Brozovic to Madrid to either backup Casemiro at central defensive mid, or, replace Luka Modric.
Whatever the reasoning behind these comments or the rumors coming to light, Real Madrid would be making a big mistake signing Marcelo Brozovic. He is a very good player and is having a stunning season with Inter, helping them to top of the table while averaging a 7.27 matching rating in 21 league appearances, but I don’t think he would fit in in La Liga.
Brozovic plays a similar style to Modric passing the ball expertly which plays his teammates into space and is an adept tackler averaging 2.6 per match much like Casemiro. Yet I don’t see him as a good fit in the Real Madrid squad.
The main reason for my doubt is the sheer number of players Zidane has on his roster. The staple three for several years have been Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro. These three have guided the club to more titles in three seasons than some players will win in a career. And although Modric and Kroos are in the later years of their careers, springing for Brozovic is not a proper replacement.
Plus, with players like James Rodriguez and Isco on the bench and Marco Asensio a great option once he is healthy, the depth is there as well. Just look at what Fede Valverde has been able to do this season after proving to the coaching staff that he can handle the big moments.
You also can’t forget about Martin Ødegaard and Dani Ceballos who are out on loan at the moment and should play bigger roles when or if they return.
Brozovic has become a star while with Inter and is currently valued at €54 million according to TransferMarkt. Signing a guy who will turn 28 this fall for that much is simply unrealistic and something I don’t think president Florentino Perez would be in favor of.
Sign a young promising player like Eduardo Camavinga for a lot less and let him develop internally. That strategy has been working over the last five years so why change it now?