Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Celta Vigo’s Peruvian midfielder Renato Tapia as a potential long-term replacement for Casemiro.
According to a report from GOL newspaper, as relayed by Spanish publication Defensa Central, reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid have cast admiring glances towards Celta Vigo’s midfield enforcer Renato Tapia and could consider a summer move.
The 25-year-old spent time at Sporting Cristal and Esther Grande de Bentin in his homeland Peru before making the switch to Europe in 2013 when he joined Dutch outfit FC Twente. After close to three years at the club, Tapia moved to Feyenoord and also had a stint on loan at Willem II before joining Celta Vigo last summer on a free transfer.
Since arriving in Spain, Tapia has given a good account of himself, starting in all the 23 La Liga games that he has been available for. Mainly known for his destructive abilities in midfield, the 25-year-old has also chipped in with an assist. And his performances for the Galician outfit have seemingly put him on the radars of Real Madrid.
The Merengues have no real cover for Casemiro in the defensive midfield slot, meaning that the Brazilian has to play each and every game for them. And when he is not fit due to injury and suspension, the balance of the team is disturbed with Zinedine Zidane having to change formations and personnel to cover for his absence.
As a result, Real Madrid are looking for someone who could be a long-term alternative option for Casemiro and eventually go on to replace him the enforcer in the middle of the park. Rennes’ wonderkid, Eduardo Camavinga has been linked heavily with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
But the Frenchman’s €50 million+ price tag could be an issue with the club going through a difficult period financially owing to the pandemic and the stadium renovation. As a result, they might be forced to consider a cheaper alternative in the form of Tapia, who, as per the report, could be available for as little as €10 million.
Tapia is contracted with Celta Vigo till the summer of 2024. However, when a club of Real Madrid’s stature comes calling, heads are likely to be turned more often than not. It now remains to be seen if Los Blancos press ahead with their pursuit of the Peruvian or push to sign Camavinga.
