Real Madrid for most of its history has always been termed as a “buyers club”. A club that always spends large sums of money on the best players in the world. This policy was prominent in the club’s early years and had re-emerged during Florentino Perez’s first presidential stint when the “Galactico” policy was adopted.
While Madrid bought most of the best players in the world, their arch-rivals Barcelona focused more on homegrown talents or signing younger upcoming players with a lot of career potential. Over the last few years, the tables have now changed, Real Madrid seemed to have ditched the Galactico policy for a more youth prospect project. Whereas, the Catalans seem to have adopted the Galactico policy.
Since Madrid’s new era focuses on signing younger prospects, I’ve chalked up a list of key targets that the club must keep a close watch on. These players could be considered as prospective transfer targets for the future to build a long-term sustainable sporting project.
RAYAN CHERKI – OLYMPIQUE LYON
If you don’t already know, Olympique Lyon have produced some of the very best talents in world football. A few notable players who came up the ranks at Lyon have been Hatem Ben Arfa, Karim Benzema, and Alexandre Lacazette.
Lyon’s newest wunderkind is 18-year-old Rayan Cherki- a thrilling and exciting attacking midfielder who likes to play just behind the striker as a number 10. At the young age of 18, Cherki is already turning heads at Lyon with his ability on the ball. His quick feet and ability to glide past opponents have already seen him being compared to Hateem Ben Afra.
Cherki is an elite dribbler averaging 4.5 dribbles per 90, according to FBref. His ability to dribble so efficiently makes him a vital asset to break down the opposition backline and cherry-pick passes into the final third.
Apart from his sky-high potential, Rayan Cherki is quite the Madridista by openly stating that his dream club is Real Madrid. The 18-year-old is truly gifted and he’s a talent that Real Madrid must certainly keep close tabs on for the future.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – JUVENTUS
Matthijs de Ligt would be the ideal signing to fill in Sergio Ramos’ void in the centre-back position. Like Ramos, the 22-year-old centre-back is an all-rounder who offers more than just being a defender. His leadership skills and warrior mentality makes him stand out as a player which is one of the primary reasons why Juventus broke the bank in 2019 to get him on board in Turin.
In all fairness, Matthijs de Ligt’s tenure with the Bianconeri has not been all that good. It’s been a mixed journey so far and with Juventus’ current status post-Cristiano Ronaldo, De Ligt could also be considering a move out next year or so.
The 22-year-old would certainly be an expensive signing but he would prove to be worth every penny spent. He’s a solid centre-back who never backs out from a strong tackle. He’s also sound aerially whiled defending and attacking making him a threat from set-pieces.
At the moment, the former Ajax captain is expected to play a key role under Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus this season. However, if Juve fails to make any sort of progress in the Champions League or in the Serie A, Matthijs de Ligt might consider an exit as well.
In such an event, Real Madrid must look into the possibility of signing the 22-year-old.
JUDE BELLINGHAM – BORUSSIA DORTMUND
England international and Borussia Dortmund star, Jude Bellingham, is one of the hottest prospects in world football at the moment. The 18-year-old is simply sensational and is arguably one of the best youngsters in Europe this season.
His performance against Andorra with England recently was a testament to his quality. Bellingham put on a show for the Three Lions with his silky touches on the ball as he glided past the Andorra defenders like butter.
The 18-year-old is a sensational midfielder, who is currently ranked sixth on ESPN’s list of the best youngsters. He’s a number 8 on the field but has the skillset of 10 with his ability to manoeuvre past opponents. His passing accuracy and precision are fabulous as well making him a complete midfielder at the young age of 18.
I can’t actually think of any weaknesses or drawbacks from Bellingham’s game and it would be unfair to criticise an 18-year-old who has already proved so much with his ability.
With Luka Modric and Toni Kroos heading into the twilight years of their career, Real Madrid must consider keeping close tabs on Jude Bellingham. Borussia Dortmund will certainly not entertain an offer for the Englishman anytime soon but sooner or later Dortmund would have to accept reality and let Bellingham leave when the big sharks come calling.
FEDERICO CHIESA – JUVENTUS
Federico Chiesa was arguably one of Italy’s best players in the Euro 2020 tournament and his performances played a vital role in leading the Azzuri to the championship. His debut season with Juventus was also praiseworthy as he stepped up on the biggest of occasions for the Bianconeri last season.
Chiesa is undoubtedly one of the best young talents in world football and at the age of 23, he’s already become a key player for Massimiliano Allegri at Juve and for Roberto Mancini in the Italian national team squad.
As a right-winger, Chiesa offers explosivity through his vertical style of playing. The 23-year-old prefers involving himself more in the game with frequent touches which he uses to penetrate opposition lines with his speed and dribbling skills. Real Madrid have lacked an elite dribbler and Chiesa’s presence sometime in the future could come handy while breaking down a team that plays a low-block.
While the idea of having the Italian at Real Madrid sounds very cheesy, it’ll be an arduous task for the Merengues to convince them to part ways with Chiesa. Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent departure, the 23-year-old could be the new face of Juve’s attack along with Paulo Dybala.
DUSAN VLAHOVIC- ACF FIORENTINA
Yes, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have not made my list since they would be obvious inclusions. Now if you’re someone who does follow the Serie A, you would know exactly how good Dusan Vlahovic is.
The Serbian is a proper lethal target man in the box. He can strike the ball with either foot, he’s tall and is strong in the air. He can muscle his way through sturdy defenders. Vlahovic has all the qualities of a proper old-school striker (not that he doesn’t have the qualities of a modern striker as well).
Last season in Serie A, the Serbian scored 21 goals for Fiorentina and was their star performer. His potency in front of goal has caught the attention of many clubs. Vlahovic was linked with a few top European sides this summer but a transfer did not materialise as Fiorentina have no intention of parting ways.
The 21-year-old is under contract until 2023 with Fiorentina and the Italian side might consider cashing on Vlahovic next season if he does not plan on renewing terms.
If Real Madrid part ways with Luka Jovic next season and do not sign Erling Haaland, then Dusan Vlahovic would be an ideal signing for the team. He’d add depth to the squad and would also be a solid addition for the future.