Real Madrid: Luka Jovic is an investment

Transfer rumors have begun to swirl around Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic, but here’s why it’s unlikely he’ll move this summer.

Since football has been suspended, Real Madrid fans can look forward to constant transfer rumors and speculation, even though future transfer figures and even the start of the summer market are only certain in their lack of clarity.

Already, striker Luka Jovic has been linked to other clubs in Europe after a nondescript first season at the Santiago Bernabeu. The usual suspects have all been linked to the Serbia international, such as Tottenham, AC Milan, and Napoli. Of those three clubs, Napoli are the most recent link, as he could replace Arkadiusz Milik if negotiations with the Polish striker don’t end well.

However, Madridistas should not expect Jovic to be sold this summer. Real Madrid purchased Jovic for 60 million euros from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer after his breakout season in the Bundesliga, as he emerged as a true star striker in European football alongside Sebastien Haller, who moved to West Ham United.

Jovic didn’t make an immediate impact, but he did appear in 19 games across La Liga and the Champions League in 2019-2020. He had his moments of brilliance, too, including a late goal against Osasuna and a wonderful backheel assist for Casemiro vs. Sevilla.

At just 22 years old, Jovic has a bright future ahead of him. He’s an intelligent striker with natural instincts as a No. 9, real quality in front of goal as a finisher, great athletic tools, and even better than advertised link-up play. When he played for Frankfurt, Haller was the best chance-creator at the forward position, but Jovic made some eye-catching build-up plays for Madrid this season.

If Los Blancos were to sell Jovic this summer, they would barely get more than half of their return on investment from last summer. This strategy does not sound wise, and it would be the type of imprudent decision-making uncommon at a club like Real Madrid. They are not a poorly-run club, unlike some of the teams more frequently mentioned as buyers in transfer rumors.

Zinedine Zidane played a big role in Jovic joining Real Madrid from Eintracht last summer, so you had better believe he’s still high on the player. The manager is notorious for being patient and slow with youth, which is crucial at a pressurized club like Madrid. Zidane knows the last thing a player like Jovic needs is harsh criticism, which always abounds at a club with such high expectations.

By waiting on Jovic, grooming him, and letting him shine, Real Madrid can get maximum value out of him in the future if they do eventually decide to sell him. But Jovic does have the potential to be their future No. 9, as compelling as Erling Haaland has become as a top option.

A loan deal would be more realistic than a sale, but with no incoming striker guaranteed, Luka Jovic stands a good chance to remain at Real Madrid in 2020-2021. And now that he has a year of experience under his belt, one of Real’s latest prized investments stands to benefit from more playing time behind Karim Benzema.