Lionel Messi calls Real Madrid transfer target ‘spectacular’

Real Madrid seem to have already gotten one deal over the line, as Endrick seems destined to join the club when he leaves Palmeiras in the summer of 2024, when he turns 18. Los Blancos’ next target does seem to be a midfielder, with the long-term futures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos pretty much up in the air.

The name that has been most heavily linked with the club in recent months is Jude Bellingham. The Englishman has been phenomenal at the World Cup with his national team and starred for Borussia Dortmund for a long time as well.

But if recent rumours are anything to go by then the Premier League is his most likely destination and Real Madrid should keep their eyes on other targets in the middle of the park.

One player that they have been linked with in recent times is Enzo Fernandez of Benfica, who has shined for Argentina at the World Cup. And Lionel Messi had some great things to say about his national teammate after his goal against Mexico earlier in the tournament. As reported by Ole, the Barcelona legend said:

"“Enzo does not surprise me, I know him, I see him train every day, I played against him in the Champions League and he deserves it. He is a spectacular boy and a very important player for us.”"

Messi full of praise for Real Madrid transfer target

It was only this summer that Fernandez made the move from Argentina to Europe, by joining Benfica from River Plate.

In fact, it is believed that Real Madrid had had their eyes on him during his days at River Plate as well, but eventually did not end up making a move.

In hindsight, that might have been a mistake though, as Fernandez has taken European football by storm with his performances in a Benfica shirt and has managed to establish himself as a starter for Argentina at the World Cup as well, after having started the tournament with a role off the bench.

It is going to take a big transfer fee to sign him from Benfica though, and the Portuguese club are not expected to let him go in January.