La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid are reportedly closely monitoring the progress of 18-year-old Brazilian defensive prospect Thauan Lara.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Thauan Lara is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a possible move next year. The Merengues’ chief scout Juni Calafat is tracking the progress of the 18-year-old Internacional defensive prospect, with Benfica and AS Monaco also keen on signing him.
Thauan Lara is widely regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in Brazil, having made a remarkable impression in age-group football in his homeland. Currently a part of Internacional, the teenage prodigy officially became a professional a few months ago but is already primed for big things.
The 18-year-old might have only recently embarked on his career. But he has captured the attention of several high profile clubs in Europe, who are making a beeline to secure his services in 2023. And Real Madrid will be one of his prospective suitors next year, with Los Blancos rivalling Benfica and AS Monaco in his pursuit.
Real Madrid will likely delve into the market for a left-back in the summer transfer window this year instead of 2023. That is because Marcelo will depart from the Santiago Bernabeu after the ongoing campaign ends as he will become a free agent.
In addition, there are growing uncertainties surrounding the future of Ferland Mendy, with recent reports claiming that Real Madrid might be open to selling him due to his excessive wage demands. While it is highly unlikely that Mendy will leave Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, his precarious position creates the need of signing a new left-back.
The Spanish giants have recently been linked with several top-class left-backs, with Kieran Tierney among their key targets. But targetting someone like Thauan Lara could be a sensible decision, too, especially with Miguel Gutierrez’s Real Madrid future not set in stone.
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Several prodigious defenders are already on Real Madrid’s radar, with Isaak Toure the latest to emerge on their radar. And with Juni Calafat personally monitoring his progress, Lara could be Real Madrid-bound in 2023. That said, the competition from Benfica and AS Monaco will likely keep the Merengues on their toes, with the former reportedly the favourites to land the 18-year-old Brazilian defensive prospect.
