Real Madrid could reportedly have to pay at least €40 million if they are to prise PSG loanee Goncalo Guedes away from Valencia.
According to a report by Spanish publication AS, Real Madrid are weighing up an offer to sign Goncalo Guedes from PSG. Los Blancos will have to go head-to-head with the Portuguese forward’s current side Valencia, who have been quoted a €40 million fee for him.
Guedes arrived at PSG last January in a €30 million deal after reportedly snubbing Manchester United. After half a season at Parc des Princes, his place as a regular became uncertain following the arrival of Neymar last summer, which saw the player being shipped off to Valencia on a season-long loan.
At Mestalla, Guedes has been one of the prime reasons for Los Che’s stupendous resurgence this season, with Marcelino’s side currently third on the La Liga table. And while a return of 3 goals and 6 assists in 18 appearances isn’t quite prolific enough, the 21-year-old is heavily involved in the build up of goals, even if the numbers do not suggest so.
Guedes has also become a favourite among the Valencia fanbase, and it isn’t quite surprising that the club is attempting to make his stay at the Mestalla a permanent one. Los Che have already held talks with PSG over a move for the Portugal international, but could soon have Real Madrid for company in his pursuit.
Valencia not the only ones interested in a permanent transfer for Gonçalo Guedes. @diarioas say Real Madrid are keen too.
PSG looking for €35m-€40m for Guedes but with a buyback clause. Though PSG wary selling to Rral Madrid – a CL rival – FFP compels them to sell players. pic.twitter.com/UgqP4sSB4N
— Yousef Teclab (@yousefteclab) January 10, 2018
The Spanish and European champions are enduring a miserable 2017-18 campaign, languishing 16 points behind leaders Barcelona while only managing to finish runners-up in their Champions League group. While defensive frailties have been a major concern, Real Madrid have also lacked bite in front of goal.
Karim Benzema is a pale shadow of his prolific best, while Cristiano Ronaldo is struggling to remain consistent enough this season. Gareth Bale’s fitness problems haven’t helped matters either, and with Lucas Vazquez only considered a squad player, the need to sign a winger has accentuated for Real Madrid, making Guedes a viable target.
But, Los Blancos will have to move quickly in order to secure the player’s services, with Valencia already in talks with PSG over a January move. The report entails that Les Parisiens have quoted a €40 million fee for Guedes to Valencia, although it’s unclear what the asking price would be for Real Madrid.
It is also suggested that PSG are hesitant to sell Guedes to a direct Champions League competitor, handing Los Che the advantage. The French giants are also keen to include a buy-back clause in any deal to sell the player, something that Real Madrid would object to, and all signs point towards a move to Valencia.
It now remains to be seen if Real Madrid take concrete steps to bring him to Santiago Bernabeu or if Valencia indeed end up signing him.
What is certain is that Guedes’ time at PSG is about to come to an end, with Les Parisiens in need of raising €80-90 million before June 30 to avoid FFP sanctions, and they might just have to budge if Real Madrid end up offering a significant sum in exchange of his services.
