Real Madrid is reportedly preparing a "mega move" this summer. The target is a top Premier League midfielder.
Sports Bible of the U.K. reported on the 4th (Korean time) that Real Madrid is showing an almost obsessive interest in signing a Premier League star, with a transfer fee around 120 million pounds (about 238.5 billion won).
According to the report, Real has already set up a large investment plan aimed at the summer. It spent a total of 93 million pounds to sign Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras, and paid additional expense to secure the early signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold for the Club World Cup. In addition, it added Argentine prospect Franco Mastantuono. As a result, the winter transfer window was relatively quiet.
However, the main issue in the quiet January was personnel changes. Coach Xabi Alonso was dismissed, and Alvaro Arbeloa was promoted to the new manager. A midfield reorganization was also already included in the roadmap.
According to Spain's AS, Real has been operating a long-term plan to prepare for Luka Modric's contract expiration departure. The plan centers on Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Arda Guler, but the club intends to invest boldly in "additional reinforcements."
Specific names also emerged. According to Sports Bible, the "purchases" reported that Real made Enzo Fernandez (25, Chelsea) their top priority target for the summer. They set the transfer fee at 120 million pounds. The outlet wrote that "Real's obsession is growing" and added that he is the kind of player Real wants to dominate LaLiga and Europe again.
Enzo joined Chelsea in January 2023 on a nine-and-a-half-year mega long-term contract. Chelsea paid 106.8 million pounds to bring him in from Benfica after he spent half a season there. He needed time to adapt initially, but he has now established himself as a midfield core alongside Moises Caicedo.
Enzo Fernandez is a midfielder who, based on solid fundamentals, wide vision and precise passing, operates between the 2nd and 3rd lines centered on the No. 8 role. His long passing and build-up development ability are top class, and he is strong at managing the flow of the game in both on-the-ball and off-the-ball situations. Switching with the left fullback and changing direction through mid- to long-range passes are cited as his greatest strengths.
However, his defending and press resistance are pointed out as limitations. When playing on the third line his defensive contribution is lacking, and even on the second line frequent aggressive forward pressing often disturbs team balance. He can escape pressure, but his subsequent forward dribbling and box penetration abilities are limited, and he is less efficient in the attacking midfielder role. He does not have decisive strengths in long-range shots or dead-ball situations.
At Chelsea he tried the No. 6, No. 8 and No. 10 roles under several managers but never found a perfect position. Under Potter the defensive weakness was exposed, and under Pochettino the limitations of using him as a No. 10 emerged. Under Maresca he adapted to the No. 8 role and increased his attacking output, but defensive burden remained. Ultimately Enzo is evaluated as most efficient when he serves as the team's lubricant, moving between the third and second lines rather than being fixed to a specific role.
Pichajes also claimed that Enzo "wants to wear Real's white uniform." They explained there is fatigue with the current club's results. However, Chelsea reached the Champions League round of 16 under new manager Liam Rosenior and is competing for European competition qualification while sitting fifth in the league.
In the end, the issue is will and money. Whether Real will add another "galactico" to the midfield or Chelsea will keep a key asset. Enzo Fernandez is emerging as one of the hottest names of the summer transfer market.
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