According to a recent report by AS, Real Madrid are keeping tabs on the development of Sao Paulo midfielder Igor Gomes, who has a €50m release clause in his current contract. The same source has mentioned that Los Blancos sent their scouts led by Juni Calafat to monitor the Brazilian youngster’s progress. However, the Spanish outfit can expect to face stiff competition from Sevilla, Barcelona and Ajax in pursuit of the player (via AS).
Gomes’ Incredible Rise In Brazilian Football
Gomes has been dubbed as the ‘next Kaka‘ back in his homeland after breaking out as a first-team starter at Sao Paulo last season. He registered two goals and two assists in 27 league matches in the previous campaign which goes to show how much he has improved since making the step up from the club’s ‘B’ team to their senior set-up.
The 21-year-old has also bagged one goal in two appearances in the Copa Libertadores this year while operating as an attacking midfielder. He is also versatile enough to feature in a more reserved role at the centre of the park, which makes him an attractive proposition for any of his potential suitors.
The Rio de Janeiro-born talent has also represented Brazil at various youth levels and is currently a crucial member of his nation’s Under-23 team. He has featured in four matches for them so far but is yet to open his goal-scoring account.
What Are The Brazilian Whizkid’s Strengths And Weaknesses?
Gomes excels at playing short, crisp passes with others around him and has the vision to create a few goal-scoring chances in the final third. The midfielder often drives fouls from the opposition defenders as he can retain possession with ease and grace for his side. The South American wonderkid has also shown that he can score some crucial goals for his team, which has raised his stock in European football. However, the youngster is still quite inexperienced at the highest level and is far from a finished product.
Is Gomes A Star In The Making?
Zinedine Zidane’s side has splashed a lot of cash to recruit the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Reinier, so they have made a habit of acquiring some of Brazil’s top young talents in recent years. With Luka Modric edging towards the end of his playing career and Toni Kroos also in the wrong side of his 30s, Real Madrid will do well to bring in a fresh midfielder of Gomes’ potential as he has the makings of a world-class playmaker.
The Brazilian starlet will not only add some much-needed depth to Zidane’s squad but will also be a prospect to look out for in the future. At 21, he has his peak years ahead of him which Los Blancos could look to benefit from in the coming seasons. His versatility, coupled with his exceptional ability on the ball, makes him a perfect long-term signing for the La Liga giants to consider before the start of the new campaign. Gomes’ addition will also allow Zidane to take a more flexible approach when selecting his teams and tactical formations next season.
