Real Madrid are reportedly set to pursue Timo Werner, with the RB Leipzig striker being lined up as a player to replace Karim Benzema.
Spanish publication Don Balon are claiming that Real Madrid are set to ditch their pursuit of Valencia star Rodrigo and chase another in-form superstar. The aim is to replace Karim Benzema. And Los Blancos are eyeing up a move for one of their former targets in RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.
Florentino Perez is a man on a mission; the mission being to find an able striker to compensate for Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals. Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has not been impressive for the past couple of seasons and the president has been trying to replace the Frenchman with a player who can command the frontline for the next decade or so.
Julen Lopetegui wanted a short-to-medium term option in Valencia star Rodrigo. But, Perez has rejected the notion to go for the 27-year-old and has instead chosen to go back to a profile they considered before the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Timo Werner is the man on the club’s radar to be the new face of the Real Madrid frontline.
Timo Werner has established himself as a world-class striker after struggling in the early stages of his footballing career. The German international recorded a decent tally of 13 goals and 7 assists in Bundesliga last season. But, the RB Leipzig star would have been disappointed with his performance in Russia as Germany bowed out in the group stage itself.
There was speculation linking Werner to a move, with Premier League hotshots, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich said to be interested. The English transfer window has slammed shut while Bayern Munich look unlikely to bankroll a move for Werner, especially with Robert Lewandowski staying put.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have been in search of a striker for a long time now. Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure may have accentuated it. But, the need to reinforce the centre-forward line has been present for well over a season now.
Another thing that has seen Perez favour Timo Werner over Rodrigo is the fact that the two are likely to be valued in the same bracket, around the €60 million figure. Thus, if Real Madrid do have to spend the same amount, Perez would like to bring in someone who would be marketable and be a long-term addition.
Part of the reason for Werner’s valuation being similar to Rodrigo’s is the fact that the former’s dampened 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign could have skimmed some millions off of it.
Perez though, believes Werner has what it takes to lead the line for a club as big as Real Madrid. If they do manage to get a deal done for the 22-year-old, €60 million will likely look like a bargain in the years to come, provided Werner lives up to the buzz he has managed to create.
