Luka Jovic is Real Madrid’s top backup striker, but there are rumors he could leave this January.
In order to ensure they have sufficient depth for a Champions League and La Liga title run in 2020-2021, Real Madrid would do well to hold onto as many of their key players as possible this January. Isco is the only player strongly-linked with a move away from Madrid next month, but striker Luka Jovic could also exit.
Jovic has interest from Hertha Berlin and Milan, but they are not the only clubs looking to pry the Serbian striker from Los Blancos.
According to a report from Sky Sports, via AS, Wolves have Luka Jovic as their top target at the striker position this January. Wolves want to find a replacement for injured star Raul Jimenez, and they seem to prefer him over Valencia’s Maxi Gomez. That’s understandable, because Jovic is a better striker and a more talented footballer overall.
Wolves would like to acquire Jovic on loan, which makes the most sense for Real Madrid, too. It’s unlikely they would get fair value for the player they signed for 60 million euros in 2019, even if Milan and Hertha make it a bidding war.
A six-month loan would make Jovic a short-term boost at the striker position for a team, and it would give him a chance to briefly show what he can do. Ideally, loans take place for at least a year so that a player can get familiar with their new team, but a six-month loan could still work for Jovic. He needs to get on the field, and it’s very tough for him to do so with Real Madrid due to Karim Benzema’s greatness.
At the same time, losing Jovic cuts into Real’s depth, as Mariano Diaz would be the only No. 9 after Benzema. Rodrygo can play at the position, but he is injured. Without Jovic, the only alternative to Mariano behind Benzema would be a false nine like Eden Hazard or Marco Asensio.