Real Madrid have said they won’t be signing anybody this summer, but they could make an exception for an affordable defender.
Since Real Madrid want to sign the absolute best young players in the world and those talents tend to cost a minimum of 80 million euros, Los Blancos will wait until 2021 to make their biggest signings. That means players like Eduardo Camavinga won’t be on the list until next summer, so long as they wait for a Real move.
In the meantime, Los Blancos are trying to make enough sales to fund a big move for Kylian Mbappe, for example, next summer. That said, while they are closing the window on most transfers this year, there is one affordable option they could pursue if they make enough sales in the current window.
According to a report from Marco Ruiz of AS, Monaco center back Benoit Badiashile is a recent transfer target Zinedine Zidane has recommended. And when Zidane recommends a young player, you listen. After all, he spotted players like Franck Ribery, Eden Hazard, and, of course, Raphael Varane early, and all three former Ligue 1 standouts have gone on to become among the best in the world.
Badiashile, per AS, would only cost 30 million euros, which is a great fee for a teenage center back who played 1,413 minutes in one of Europe’s top five leagues. According to WhoScored.com, Badiashile completed 85.3 percent of his passes while averaging nearly 60 passes per game. He also won 3.5 aerial duels per match, recorded 3.4 clearances per game, intercepted 1.7 passes in each match, and had 1.1 tackles per game.
In short, Badiashile has all the tactical and physical tools to be a star and play Champions League level football, and he’s got the early production at Monaco to back it up. Again, he’s a good value at 30 million euros, and out of the clubs interested in the player, Real Madrid would have the best chance of getting him if they want him.
Zidane should have one signing he wants this summer, especially an affordable young player at a position of need. Eder Militao is a great young prospect, but Badiashile is even younger by three years. Real could use another center back prospect, and they should be able to make enough sales to make an offer.