Bernd Leno has emerged as a shock transfer target for Real Madrid, who are desperate to sign a top goalkeeper to replace Keylor Navas next summer.
According to a report by Spanish publication Don Balon, Bernd Leno is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. Los Blancos are keen on bolstering the goalkeeping spot next summer, and have their sights set on several shot stoppers, with the Bayer Leverkusen man now a backup option.
Leno’s career has been on an upward trajectory ever since he joined Bayer Leverkusen from Vfb Stuttgart in 2011. The move has ensured an elevation of status for the shot stopper, who has cemented his place in the German National Squad, while also being regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Bundesliga.
Leno has been able to establish his name despite letting in an astounding 73 goals in 47 Bundesliga outings since last season, keeping just nine clean sheets in the process. While Bayer haven’t exactly set the stage alight in the last eighteen months, he has remained a reliable figure, often saving his side the blushes with his fantastic reflexes.
And as he continues to go from strength to strength in the German top flight, clubs are sitting up and taking note of the 25-year-old’s undoubted talents. One such outfit are Real Madrid, who have set their sights on Leno for a possible move next summer.
.@Bernd_Leno joined the #Werkself in 2011
Let’s have a look back at some of his best saves!#WerkselfWednesday pic.twitter.com/QxsQdyNt5G
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) August 9, 2017
Los Blancos have, in fact, had their eyes on Leno for a while now, having monitored his progress in recent years. The Spanish and European champions are now considering him as a target next summer, albeit only as a Plan B, as they set about reinforcing the goalkeeping slot.
Keylor Navas has blown hot and cold since last season, and his error prone ways seem to have caught up to him. Kiko Casilla, on the other hand, has never been convincing enough to stake claim to be the Real Madrid number one.
Defensive, and more alarmingly goalkeeping reliability being a major issue for the club this season, they have decided to address this problem and find a long-term solution between the posts.
David De Gea is Florentino Perez’s priority target, but there are complications in pursuit of the Spaniard, who seems well settled at Manchester United. Thibaut Courtois and Kepa Arrizabalaga are the other options in front of Real Madrid, with the latter being considered for a Bosman move next summer.
But, Los Blancos are keeping their options open, just in case they fail to secure the services of any of the aforementioned players, and Leno is a viable target. At 25, the German goalkeeper will definitely be a long-term solution for the club, and he is unlikely to come for a premium either, making him an attractive option.
It now remains to be seen if Real Madrid make a move for the Bayer Leverkusen man, provided they fail in their pursuit of other targets.
