Real Madrid have opted for a highly unusual alteration to their transfer strategy this summer, which could spell troubling news for several Premier League clubs.
Real Madrid have been active this summer, making headlines with the high-profile free transfer of Kylian Mbappe. They are also set to add Brazilian wonderkid Endrick to their squad once he turns 18 next week.
The club’s transfer strategy has been influenced by the departures of experienced players Nacho Fernandez and Toni Kroos, the latter having retired from professional football. Lucas Vasquez, currently a free agent at 33 years old, has expressed his intention to remain at the Bernabeu.
Looking at potential new signings, Real Madrid is strongly linked with France defender Leny Yoro, who reportedly prefers a move to the Champions League winners over other clubs.
Real Madrid have not yet made an offer to Lille for the 18-year-old player. In contrast, Manchester United has already submitted a £42 million bid, which Lille accepted earlier this week. Yoro must now decide between United and Real Madrid, with Lille reportedly preferring him to choose United, especially since his contract has only one year remaining.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid has reportedly adopted a new transfer strategy. According to Relevo reporter Javier Rodriguez Pascual, they will closely monitor the Olympics this summer as part of this strategy. Unlike most clubs focusing on Euro 2024 and Copa America, Real Madrid will concentrate on scouting players at the Olympics.
The men’s and women’s football tournaments will be held in Paris this summer, featuring the best under-21 players from qualified nations.
Originally set to play in the Olympics for France under Thierry Henry, Yoro was withdrawn by Lille due to ongoing transfer negotiations.
While the men’s tournament lacks major teams like Brazil, England, Germany, and Italy, there are still several promising players Real Madrid will undoubtedly be interested in watching in Paris.
French talents like Castello Lukeba, Desire Doue, and Manu Kone have drawn attention from Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea. Meanwhile, Argentina and Spain boast numerous young stars in their squads.
Any sign of serious interest from Real Madrid, as seen with recent cases like Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Arda Guler, can sway players to choose them over Premier League clubs. With their focused attention on the Olympics, it’s likely that Los Blancos will closely monitor the top talents in Paris going forward.