Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing 19-year-old Brazilian centre-back Robert Renan from Zenit St. Petersburg.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Robert Renan has impressed Real Madrid with his performances in the South American Under-20 Championships. And club president Florentino Perez has fallen in love with the Brazilian defender.
The 19-year-old centre-back has impressive technical ability and speed along with his ability to read the game and intercept moves. Renan can play as the right-sided centre-back as well as on the left. He can also operate as a left-back. His versatility will be an added advantage for Real Madrid.
The defender recently joined Zenit St Petersburg as a free agent after his contract expired with Brazilian outfit Corinthians. It will be interesting to see if the Russian giants are prepared to sell him to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
The player has a contract with the Russian club until the summer of 2028, and Zenit are likely to demand a premium if Real Madrid come calling at the end of the season. But Renan is not the only centre-back on Los Blancos’ radar, with Josko Gvardiol among their other targets.
It's Zenit shirt 7️⃣7️⃣ for Robert Renan! 🇧🇷💙 pic.twitter.com/B0dvgTNbcP
— FC Zenit in English✨ (@fczenit_en) January 25, 2023
Apparently, Real Madrid are looking to shore up their defensive options following the disappointing performances Antonio Rudiger this season. In addition, Nacho has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season. And Renan could prove to be a quality long-term replacement for the veteran Spaniard.
The 19-year-old has a big future ahead of him. And a move to Real Madrid could be an attractive option for the player. Playing alongside the best players in the world at the Spanish club will only accelerate his development. And a manager like Carlo Ancelotti could help him fulfil his potential.
The Spanish giants have shown a tendency to invest in the top young talents around the world, and they have snapped up a number of top-class players in recent years like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Eduardo Camavinga, among others. Another Brazilian prospect, Endrick, is set to join Real Madrid in 18 months.
Renan could prove to be another diligent investment from Los Blancos as they look to build sustainably for the long term. Meanwhile, the report also adds that Real Madrid are determined to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund as the long-term replacement of club legend Luka Modric.