Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Sao Paulo midfielder Igor Gomes, dubbed the new Kaka and a target for La Liga rivals Barcelona.
According to Spanish publication AS, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla are all set for a transfer tussle for the new Kaka. Sao Paulo midfielder Igor Gomes, who has drawn comparisons with the Brazilian legend, is the subject of interest of the three La Liga giants.
Igor Gomes has a €50 million release clause in his Sao Paulo contract, which seems justified given his comparisons with former Real Madrid footballer and a global icon, Kaka.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Gomes occupies the same areas as the Brazilian legend and has drawn attention towards his game with his performance in the 3-0 win over LDU Quito in Copa Libertadores in March, 2020.
Igor Gomes vs. Damm (08/03/2020).
Excellent match by the Brazilian central defender. This is his first season at the club, but he is one of the best players in Juvenil A. He may be promoted to Barça B after this season. pic.twitter.com/q8zjUuyO8O
— Piotr Guziński (@ViscaBarca1233) March 23, 2020
In fact, the report states that Kaka himself has admitted to similarities as regards the Sao Paulo midfielder’s playing style from his own footballing days while also maintaining that such comparisons only put more pressure on young gems like Igor Gomes, who is being tailed by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla.
Sevilla have just Franco Vazquez as the only natural option in Igor’s position. But, Julen Lopetegui deploys a 4-3-3 setup, which doesn’t leave much room for an attacking midfielder. However, the club could do with an offensive playmaker like Igor, especially with Ever Banega’s guaranteed departure in the summer set to open a slot in midfield.
Real Madrid could view Igor Gomes as the successor to Luka Modric, who hasn’t been his usual self with age seemingly catching up to him this season. Alternatively, Gomes could also take the place of Toni Kroos, who is being linked with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu.
Barcelona and Real Madrid seem to be looking at the same gem again, a new promise in Brazilian football: Igor Gomes of São Paulo, who is known as the ‘new Kaká’. [sport] pic.twitter.com/VEDCAK3rYe
— Omari Emmanuel. (@kingdemaestro) March 30, 2020
Barcelona have seen the impact that Arthur has had since his arrival. Igor Gomes could equip them with added flair in midfield and extend further support to the attack. A new-look Barcelona midfield of Frenkie de Jong, Arthur and Igor Gomes could have the club secured for the coming decade.
The report labels Real Madrid as the front-runner in this three-horse race. But, what is interesting is the fact that Los Blancos are yet to make a move for Igor Gomes, with the club judging the €50 million release clause for the Sao Paulo midfielder a tad bit excessive.
It will be interesting to see who takes the first decisive step towards bringing Igor Gomes to Europe. For Igor, it’s a matter of when and not if, he gets to follow in the footsteps of and join many of his young compatriots in Europe.
