Real Madrid: 5 players competing in AFCON 2022 to monitor as transfer targets

Ivory Coast DM Franck Kessie

I had already made my picks for Casemiro’s long-term replacements. But, this report from MARCA changes things. It seems Real Madrid is more interested in working with a quick fix replacement or a sporadic rotational piece to Carlos Casemiro as of now. And, because Real Madrid is linked to AC Milan’s Ivorian tank in the middle of the park he beats Wilfred Ndidi in the same position to a higher rank on this list.

Franck Kessie is an amazing player, there are no second thoughts about that. A proper number 6, he has been a pillar to this AC Milan team. Being a defensive midfielder, his scoring exploits stand out. He has already scored five times in Serie A this season and has assisted a goal in the Champions League.

He is also a brilliant distributor and a very accurate one at that. He has a clear attacking edge and never shies away from making runs into the box. He is in the 91st percentile for touches inside the opponent’s box. And is also receiving a lot of progressive passes. Being a defensive midfielder he is also sharpening his skills in playmaking, quite Casemiro-esque if you ask me.

His links with Real Madrid are already a good sign but there still are problems standing between him and Real Madrid. Firstly, Real Madrid isn’t the only club in the race for the Ivorian’s signature. And, secondly, seeing how Camavinga has done a decent job in Casemiro’s role for Real Madrid and the presence of Antonio Blanco already in the squad might tempt Real Madrid towards acquiring a younger long-term solution if Blanco doesn’t fit the bill in the longer run. There, after all, are only four years separating Casemiro and Kessie.