Dan-Axel Zagadou has emerged as a potential target for Real Madrid next season as Los Blancos eye defensive reinforcements.
According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid have registered interest in Dan-Axel Zagadou. The 22-year-old Borussia Dortmund centre-back has emerged as one of eleven potential targets for the Spanish giants next summer as they look to reinforce their defensive unit.
Los Blancos, after all, have had to part ways with two of their premier centre-back options in Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos in the summer, leaving a massive void in the defensive unit. The club did bring in David Alaba from Bayern Munich, but they need at least another quality centre-back to accompany the Austrian international.
That is where Zagadou fits the bill, having enjoyed decent progress since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2017. The former PSG starlet is widely regarded as one of the most talented defensive players in the Bundesliga, partly due to his immense 1.96m frame and the aggression that often make him an intimidating presence at the back.
The 22-year-old French defender could, thus, prove to be an ideal addition to the Real Madrid side. He should provide some much-needed competition for Eder Militao, Nacho and Alaba while the youngster can be quite versatile as well, having the ability to operate at left-back and even as a defensive midfielder, if required.
However, what makes Zagadou such an appealing target for Real Madrid is his current situation at Dortmund. The centre-back has a contract that expires at the end of the season, which may see him become available for free next summer, although the Bundesliga giants are believed in talks with the player over a renewed deal.
Not to mention, Real Madrid are set to face stiff competition in pursuit of Zagadou, with Manchester United also keen on snapping up the former PSG academy starlet next season.
Fortunately for Los Blancos, they have no shortage of alternatives for the French ace. The aforementioned report already refers to names such as Simon Kjaer, Matthias Ginter and Jules Kounde as other available options, though the club appears to be prioritising a move for Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
As for Zagadou, the 22-year-old seems destined for an extended stay at Dortmund, knowing he will have a significant opportunity to become the desired long-term replacement for the ageing Mats Hummels.
