Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly set his sights on Sampdoria’s breakout star Mikkel Damsgaard, who is also wanted by Barcelona and Manchester United.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid are the latest entrant in the race to sign Sampdoria star Mikkel Damsgaard after his impressive showing in the UEFA Euro 2020. The Danish international is also being pursued by Barcelona and Manchester United.
Damsgaard joined Sampdoria last year from boyhood club FC Nordsjaelland and has gone on to make quite an impression in his first year in Italy. While he managed a return of just two goals and four assists in his 35 Serie A appearances, the 21-year-old caught the eye with his style of play and direct approach which caused opposition defences plenty of problems.
Damsgaard went on to enhance his reputation further at the Euros. The 21-year-old was one of Denmark’s top performers as they mounted a shock semi-final run. In five games at the continental tournament, he scored two goals, including a worldie in the semi-final defeat to England, while setting up one more. And that has put him on the radars of several top clubs including Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Barcelona are currently in a bit of turmoil what with the situation of Lionel Messi and his contract. At the same time, there are question marks lingering over the futures of stars like Antoine Griezmann, Martin Braithwaite as the Catalans look to trim down their wage bill while Ousmane Dembele has been ruled out for a considerable period with an injury.
So, adding another attacker, despite the signings of Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero could come in handy. Damsgaard, to that end, would be a smart addition, considering that not only can he play as a winger, but feature as a centre-forward, an attacking midfielder or even as a No. 8 too – a position that Barcelona are looking to strengthen after missing out on Georginio Wijnaldum.
As for Manchester United, they seem to be well-stocked in the attacking department following the agreement to sign Jadon Sancho. In Marcus Rashford, Daniel James, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood, along with youngster Amad Diallo, they should have enough options in the wide areas, although there are concerns with regards to the future of both James and Martial.
With Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba also not certain to stay put, someone like Damsgaard would be a handy acquisition as he can cover for Bruno Fernandes as the No. 10 or provide backup in several other positions, too. However, now both Barcelona and Manchester United will need to contend with Real Madrid’s threat in the race for the Dane.
It is no secret that Los Blancos are in the market for new midfielders with doubts hanging over the futures of Isco, Dani Ceballos while Luka Modric enters the final phase of his career. In addition, with the likes of Eden Hazard, Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio underperforming, signing a versatile and lively player like Damsgaard would boost the squad dynamics a great deal.
To that end, Real Madrid have made an enquiry over Damsgaard’s valuation with Sampdoria willing to part ways with him for €30 million, a price that is affordable for each of the three clubs. It now remains to be seen if any of them are prepared to formalise their interest in the Dane.
