According to AS, Real Madrid are monitoring the progress of Mohammed Salisu. The Real Valladolid defender has impressed the onlookers with his performances this season and a reported €12 million release clause has attracted the interest of the Spanish giants. However, they could face stiff competition from Manchester United, Valencia and Getafe in the pursuit of Salisu this summer.
Salisu’s rapid rise to prominence
A product of the Valladolid youth academy, Salisu has been one of the rising stars in La Liga this season. Despite this being his first campaign in the Spanish top flight, the youngster has made quite a mark with his no-nonsense defensive style, coupled with his physical and aerial prowess.
Salisu’s contributions at the back have been critical behind Real Valladolid’s excellent defensive performances this season. Pucela have conceded only 25 goals this campaign – fewer than any other club in the second half of the league table. And although they are dawdling at 15th, Salisu deserves a lot of credit for minimising Valladolid’s overall defensive frailties.
Indeed, the 20-year-old’s numbers speak for themselves. He has averaged 5.2 clearances per game, which is indicative of his dogged nature at the back. Moreover, the defender has averaged 1.4 tackles per game with a success rate of 73%. Thanks to his tall 1.91m frame, Salisu has also imposed his dominance in the air, having won 2.6 aerial duels per game with a success rate of 61%.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
Is Salisu a viable target for Real Madrid?
Salisu has made quite an impression with his performances in La Liga this season. But, he remains a relatively inexperienced individual. And when it comes to playing at the highest level of football for a club like Real Madrid, it could potentially pose problems for him if he does move to Bernabeu next season.
Los Blancos’ need for a new proven defender is further strengthened by the fact that Sergio Ramos is already in the final phase of his career. The Spaniard will turn 34 next month and time is certainly not on his side. Meanwhile, Eder Militao has barely been able to make an impact in his first season at the club. Real Madrid could, at times, appear overreliant on the services of Raphael Varane.
At the same time, however, Salisu’s talents cannot be overlooked. Hence, the Spanish giants should definitely look to exploit his cheap release clause in the summer and secure his services.
But, it would perhaps be wiser for Los Merengues to send the defender back to Real Valladolid on a season-long loan deal. A host of Real Madrid stars, including Marco Asensio and Andriy Lunin have found success with their loan spells in recent years and Salisu could well follow their footsteps.
