Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing 22-year-old Portuguese full-back Tiago Santos from Ligue 1 club LOSC Lille.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tiago Santos is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions are mulling over signing a right-back in the January transfer window after losing Dani Carvajal to a long-term injury. The LOSC Lille defender has thus emerged as a target, with the Ligue 1 club demanding around €15 million to part ways with him.
Meanwhile, an update by Spanish outlet SPORT has claimed that the young full-back is a target for Barcelona. The Blaugrana could not sign a right-back in the summer transfer window and might dip into the market to bolster the position next year. So, they have set their sights on the LOSC Lille wide player.
Who is Tiago Santos?
Tiago Santos has established himself as one of the best young prospects in Ligue 1 since joining LOSC Lille from Estoril Praia in July 2023. A native of Lisbon, the 22-year-old spent his formative years in Portugal, passing through the academies at four clubs and graduating from the youth division at Estoril Praia.
The Portuguese full-back has turned out over 50 times thus far for Lille while chipping in with three goals and four assists. Meanwhile, Santos’s progress at the Ligue 1 club has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Barcelona, Real Madrid vying for Santos
Real Madrid’s interest in Tiago Santos is understandable. The defending La Liga champions are scouring the market for a right-back heading into the January transfer window after losing Dani Carvajal to a season-ending knee injury. So, several candidates, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, are on Real Madrid’s radar, with the LOSC Lille full-back also a viable target.
As for Barcelona, the Blaugrana wanted to sign a right-back in the summer transfer window but could not reinforce the position. While Jules Kounde continues to excel as a right-back, Hansi Flick wants another option for the position. So, Santos is an option worth considering for Barcelona.
Meanwhile, the report by Fichajes has claimed that LOSC Lille will demand around €15 million to part ways with the 22-year-old Portuguese full-back. The price tag should be affordable for Barcelona, although the Blaugrana and Real Madrid might face stiff competition from Premier League clubs for the youngster.
