Reigning European champions Real Madrid are reportedly keen on swapping left-back Marcelo for Juventus defender Alex Sandro in the winter window.
According to reports from Italian publication Tuttosport, Real Madrid are planning a sensational swap deal that would see Marcelo join Serie A champions Juventus, with his compatriot Alex Sandro moving the other way in January.
The 30-year-old Marcelo has been with Los Blancos for over ten years now, having joined from Fluminense in 2007. The left-back has accumulated over 450 appearances for the clubs, winning numerous titles and trophies including four La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League triumphs.
However, the report claims that the left-back is not entirely happy with Real’s new manager Julen Lopetegui, especially after he was taken off in the league game against Girona last month, which Madrid won 4-1.
Following the match, as reported by Daily Mirror, Marcelo had said, “I was surprised by the change but I respect the decision of the coach. I wanted to continue because I felt 100 per cent good. I do not understand the substitution but with respect, it is a decision of the coach. I always want to play.”
The Brazilian international is also understood to be keen on reuniting with former teammate and close friend Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved to Turin in a £100 million deal earlier this summer. And, he is reportedly willing to force through a move away from Real Madrid when the winter window opens in four months’ time.
Juventus had an interest in signing the 30-year-old from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, but were unable to push through with their pursuit, after failing to sort out the future of Alex Sandro.
The Brazilian is understood to be unsettled in Turin and was seeking a move away all summer, with Manchester United emerging as a potential destination, along with PSG.
No move materialized thoughm and the 27-year-old Sandro ended up staying put with the Italian champions. However, manager Massimiliano Allegri remains intent on bringing in Marcelo, as he believes the 30-year-old’s experience and established partnership with Ronaldo, from their days at Real Madrid, could lead the Bianconeri to Champions League glory.
Marcelo, who still has four years left on his contract, is an influential member in the Real Madrid side and letting him go midway through the season might not be the most ideal of scenarios for the club.
However, if the Merengues are to able to sign Sandro, who has proven himself at the topmost level and is three years younger than his compatriot, it might work out very well for them. At the same time, Juve too will be getting a player they desperately want, at the expense of someone who is unhappy at the club.
Any potential swap deal will be made easier because of new UEFA regulations that allow players to register for a new team in the Champions League after the January window, unlike in the past.