Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Turkish defender Merih Demiral, but it would take a transfer fee of €35 million to land the Juventus ace.
According to a report from El Nacional, Real Madrid have set their sights on Juventus defender Merih Demiral, who is currently out on loan at fellow Serie A outfit Atalanta. However, the Merengues will need to shell out a sum of €35 million to land the Turkish centre-half.
Having come through the youth ranks at Fenerbahce, Demiral spent time in Portugal with Alcanenense and Sporting CP before returning to Turkey with Alanyaspor. The 23-year-old then signed for Sassuolo in January 2019 and six months later was snapped up by Juventus.
However, his time in Turin was a struggle as Demiral had to deal with injury problems, while the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt also hurt his game-time a great deal. Having made just 32 appearances in two years at the Allianz Stadium, the Turkish international joined Atalanta on a season-long loan deal in the summer of last year.
Since his move to La Dea, Demiral has recovered his best form and established himself as one of the most promising defenders in Serie A, racking up 19 appearances in all competitions while contributing with a couple of goals as well. His resurgence in Bergamo has now attracted the attention of Real Madrid, who are looking to add more bodies to their defensive contingent.
The Spanish capital outfit lost two of their defensive stalwarts in Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane last year but brought in just one replacement in David Alaba. While Eder Militao has stepped up admirably this season, Carlo Ancelotti’s side lack reliable options beyond the first-choice pairing as Nacho Fernandez is getting old while the manager does not trust Jesus Vallejo.
Therefore, Real Madrid are in the market for defensive reinforcements, with a move for Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger being touted heavily. However, given the German international’s potential free agency status later this year and the number of clubs vying for his signing, Los Blancos would do well not to put all their eggs in a single basket.
To that end, Demiral has emerged as a potential alternative that Real Madrid are looking at to shore up their backline. However, as per the report, the 23-year-old Turkish international could cost a sum of €35 million, which should not be a major problem for the Merengues. It is further claimed that president Florentino Perez is already in advanced negotiations over a transfer.
It remains to be seen if Demiral ends up making the jump to Spain come summer or continues his stint in Italy, either with Juventus or Atalanta.