Why Real Madrid may not want to pursue Gabriel Jesus
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has told the club that he would like them to sign a backup striker in the aftermath of the Champions League victory, as he feels boosting depth at the striker position will be key to defending both the league and Champions League titles in 2022/23.
There are internal options who could back up Karim Benzema. Rodrygo Goes and Eden Hazard could play striker or false nine in a pinch, with the Brazilian being an intriguing option. Loanee Borja Mayoral has been excellent for Roma and Getafe in recent seasons. And in Castilla, Juanmi Latasa has an intriguing profile, though it would be very risky to make him the backup. It is not as if Carletto made use of more touted prospects from Castilla either.
When it comes to options on the transfer market, Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus has become the most popular one. He has been linked to Real Madrid frequently on the market, as City are more than open to letting the talented but inconsistent 9 leave.
Jesus is not a one-to-one replacement for Benzema, but he has a better track record and a more well-rounded skill-set than Luka Jovic. The Serbian international is the main striker Real Madrid are trying to replace on the bench, as Jovic does not fit what Carlo wants at all.
Would Real Madrid spend 50 million on a backup who isn’t a future superstar?
Ancelotti, meanwhile, seems keen on adding Jesus, who would be cheap. He would reportedly be available for around five million euros per season on wages with a transfer fee not exceeding 50 million euros. Even so, 45-50 million euros is a lot to spend on a striker.
At 25, Jesus is entering his prime. Though he may be willing to take a backup role to Benz – as he’s never been a key starter for City – Real could save the 50 million euros and promote Mayoral.
The main issue, aside from the non-EU passport conundrum – is that Jesus is not an investment. Real Madrid would be spending 50 million euros (or thereabouts) on a player who is not a starter and will not be a starter in the future.
Barring a sudden breakout, Jesus does not seem like the high-upside, future superstar at striker Real normally want to spend that kind of money on.
The likes of Endrick, Hugo Ekitike, Rayan Cherki, and Youssoufa Moukoko are potential future superstars. Erling Haaland is an immediate superstar who could be purchased in two years for 150 million euros when Benzema may end his illustrious Real Madrid career.
Why sign Jesus for 50 million as a stopgap or backup when they could use Mayoral or someone else for free, invest in a prospect, and wait for Haaland?
Real Madrid might only go for Gabriel Jesus if he somehow becomes a bargain
Ancelotti wants a backup striker now, but that doesn’t mean Real Madrid have to listen to him or give him a player that doesn’t fit their long-term growth strategy. Unless if Carletto is sold on Jesus 100 percent, I don’t think Real will go for this deal. Jesus is a big name and a quality player, but he is not a superstar, nor is he worth purchasing as a lifetime backup.
That said, were something to happen to Benzema, Real may wish they signed a striker. That is where investing in a prospect could come in handy. But let’s not forget. Mayoral fits Real, is free, and has been an efficient goal-scorer these last two seasons. Also 25 years old like Jesus, the “free” aspect could set Mayoral apart.
Jesus would be a great signing for Real Madrid, but unless the club thinks he can be a starting 9 and replace Benzema in a few years, I am not sure they make this move. They may invest in a prospect or simply wait for Haaland. It seems to me that Real want to go for a U23 striker who can develop behind Benzema, and they will only sign Jesus if the deal ends up being too good to pass upon. That is unlikely, though, with clubs like Arsenal in hot pursuit and in more of an immediate need of the player as a starter.
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Let’s not forget, even if Real can somehow get a non-EU slot for Jesus, that means a backup striker will be taking up this slot that could be used on someone else in the future at a greater position of need. Or someone with more long-term upside and that superstar factor, like Endrick.