Donyell Malen has reportedly popped up on the radar of Real Madrid at the behest of Zinedine Zidane, who has requested to keep tabs on the 22-year-old Dutchman.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Zinedine Zidane is an admirer of Donyell Malen’s talents and has requested Real Madrid to monitor his progress. The 22-year-old Dutch striker is touted to leave PSV Eindhoven in the summer transfer window, with Borussia Dortmund also tailing him.
Donyell Malen joined PSV Eindhoven from Arsenal in the summer of 2017 and after initially making an impression for Jong PSV, he broke into the Dutch outfit’s first-team setup in March 2018. Since then, the young striker has not looked back and has not been deterred by a major knee injury either.
Mighty impressive this term, Malen has 23 goals and 8 assists in 38 appearances in all competitions so far. His progress this season has invariably attracted a number of top clubs across Europe, with Real Madrid now set to monitor him closely.
Zinedine Zidane is reported to be an admirer of the Dutchman’s talents and has, therefore, asked to follow his progress. The potential interest in Malen makes a great deal of sense as well, considering Karim Benzema is slowly approaching the final phase of his career.
In addition, Mariano Diaz is only a bit-part player for Los Blancos, while Luka Jovic faces an uncertain future at the club after failing to make an impression on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt. It is, therefore, imperative for Real Madrid to start planning for life after Benzema, with Erling Haaland being linked with a possible switch.
Now, though, Malen could also be a subject of interest from Real Madrid at the behest of Zidane. The report states that a potential interest in Malen will not hinder the Merengues from making their move for Haaland and it is likely that both the players make their way to the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid, though, could have to face stiff competition from Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign Malen, with the Bundesliga heavyweights reported to be targeting him as a replacement for Haaland. It now remains to be seen if Real Madrid do get seriously interested in the 22-year-old Dutch forward, or if they zero in entirely on Haaland.