Real Madrid have been on the hunt for their next midfield general after the exits of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos over the last two summers. The initial hope had been that Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valv...
Real Madrid have been on the hunt for their next midfield general after the exits of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos over the last two summers. The initial hope had been that Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga would be able to fill their sizable void, but there is a feeling at the Santiago Bernabeu that a player with more ability to direct traffic in the middle of the pitch is needed.
That at least was the last consideration for Los Blancos this summer. Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton was considered as a late transfer after being scouted earlier this year, while the word from upon high is that President Florentino Perez considers Rodri Hernandez the only option worth breaking the bank for. Another, younger option suggested has been Dutch talent Kees Smit.
Real Madrid to evaluate €13m option in midfield
A surprise option gathering pace could be Chema Andres, who left the club this summer. The 20-year-old joined Stuttgart for a fee of just €3m, but has impressed early on in the Bundesliga. His imposing figure (190cm) has seen him slot in well in German football, but Andres has also exhibited an excellent use of the ball early on. Cadena SER say that Los Blancos can re-sign him for €13m next summer due to a buyback clause, and €16m in 2027. Given his progress, this is looking like a rather cheap price to do so. Real Madrid are set to observe his progress in the coming months before making a decision.
Chema Andres in action against Las Palmas last year. Image via Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Chema Andres’ start at Stuttgart
It is the early going for the young midfielder in Germany though, and Andres has featured for just 387 minutes. He has given a goal and an assist in his eight appearances, of which four were starts. These performances have earned him his first appearances for the Spain under-21 side. While Los Blancos have exercised a buyback option on Fran Garcia in recent years, it is true that they have not been quick to do so, with Garcia only occupying a squad role.
Category: General Sports
