La Liga champions Real Madrid are reportedly tracking the progress of 24-year-old Slovenian midfielder Sandi Lovric at Serie A club Udinese.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Sandi Lovric is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. Los Blancos will pursue the 24-year-old Udinese midfielder if they fail to sign Jude Bellingham or Enzo Fernandez in the 2023 summer transfer window.
Sandi Lovric was born and brought up in Austria, and he spent his formative years in the country. The player first rose through the ranks at Rapid Lienz before graduating from the Sturm Graz academy. He then represented FC Lugano for three years before joining Serie A club Udinese this past summer.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a solid 2022/23 campaign, turning out 14 times in Serie A while chipping in with two goals and one assist. Meanwhile, Lovric chose to represent Slovenia two years ago. And his progress has captured the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Real Madrid.
Real Madrid will enter the market for a midfield reinforcement in the 2023 summer transfer window. Los Blancos will lose at least one player next year, with Dani Ceballos out of favour with Carlo Ancelotti. In addition, the advancing years of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are a problem for the Real Madrid manager.
So seeking long-term successors to the ageing midfield stalwarts from the market is necessary for Real Madrid. And Jude Bellingham is reportedly the priority target for the reigning La Liga champions. But the English international is reportedly likelier to join Liverpool than Real Madrid.
Enzo Fernandez is thus the alternative for Bellingham, with Real Madrid looking for a way to sign the Argentine. But the Merengues are keeping their options open in case a move for Fernandez fails to materialise. And Sandi Lovric is the “Plan C” for the Spanish champions if they do not land Bellingham or Fernandez.
The 24-year-old has taken no time to adjust to the pace of Serie A. And he has the qualities to fill the void that Modric will eventually leave at the Santiago Bernabeu. So it will be interesting to see if Lovric becomes a top target for Real Madrid next summer.
