Real Madrid signed Eder Militao and Luka Jovic in the summer of 2019 for a combined 110 million euros, and they must back both young players to their full potential in 2020.
As is customary in football, there have been rampant rumors linking young Real Madrid standouts Luka Jovic and Eder Militao to moves away from the Santiago Bernabeu even though both men signed for the team in the summer 2019 transfer window.
Everyone from Arsenal to Tottenham to Napoli has been linked to Militao and Jovic, but there seems to be a disconnect. While the rumor mill states that Real would like to give up on Jovic and Militao, reports from local media and basic logic dictate that Los Blancos will do no such thing. And that’s become especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, as neither Jovic nor Militao would have much transfer value. Least of all Jovic, who suffered a foot fracture and is mired in more controversial rumors.
Beyond not selling either Jovic or Militao, Real Madrid need to go above and beyond – and the fan base should be included in this.
It’s so important to back both Jovic and Militao strongly, supporting them over the long term. Real made significant investments in both players. Militao was purchased for 50 million euros from FC Porto after a stellar season, including top-class displays in the UEFA Champions League. Jovic was an even bigger star in the Bundesliga and Europa League for Eintracht Frankfurt as one of European football’s top-scoring strikers.
Both players have world-class potential and flashed it last season. Militao had an amazing month of January, showing composure on the ball and brilliant defensive work alongside Raphael Varane. Jovic scored a couple of late goals and averaged more goals and assists (minus penalties) per 90 minutes than anyone on the team across all competitions, per FBRef.com. He even had a game-winning backheel assist for Casemiro in a 2-1 win over Sevilla.
Furthermore, both Jovic and Militao can be long-term successors for Real Madrid legends. Jovic has all the tools to be the No. 9 of the future, taking the mantle from Karim Benzema. Though he’s a completely different player, his goal-scoring prowess and underrated passing ability could make him a tremendous successor.
As for Militao, he could lead the way alongside Varane when Sergio Ramos retires. Both Ramos and Benzema are still among La Liga’s top players, but they will be gone in a couple of years. And already, Militao has shown that he has the traits to displace Ramos sooner rather than later as a great replacement.
Real Madrid have two potentially special players in Jovic and Militao. They are not the final product yet, but both men are under 24 years old and already productive at a Champions League level. Backing them fully can only lead to more great things for these young stars.