Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Real Madrid will not look to sign Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo from Santos next year.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, as relayed by Madrid Xtra, Real Madrid will not pursue Marcos Leonardo. Recent reports had linked the Brazilian striker with Los Blancos. But Romano has suggested that the Merengues are happy with Endrick as their next long-term centre-forward.
Marcos Leonardo has established himself as one of the best young strikers in South America this year. A graduate of Santos’s fabled youth division, the 20-year-old broke into the first-team squad in August 2020. A prodigious teenager back then, he has come leaps and bounds in the last three years.
Leonardo has been a regular for Santos since last season but has gone from strength to strength this year. The Brazilian forward has amassed 21 goals and four assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress with Peixe has not gone unnoticed.
Several high-profile clubs attempted to secure Leonardo’s services in the summer transfer window. But a move did not materialise. Meanwhile, recent reports have linked him with Newcastle United, Manchester United, and many other bigwigs. He was also reportedly a target for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid chose not to sign a replacement for Karim Benzema when he made the shock decision to depart for Saudi Arabia in the summer transfer window. Joselu is thus the only recognised striker in Carlo Ancelotti’s team. But the veteran Spaniard is not a regular for Los Blancos, who should invest in a young centre-forward next year.
While Endrick will arrive at Real Madrid from Palmeiras in July 2024, he is too young to be the undisputed first-choice striker. So, it behoves Real Madrid to scour the market for another striker. But while Marcos Leonardo had reportedly emerged as a target, Fabrizio Romano has ruled out a move.
The reputed Italian journalist has suggested that Real Madrid will not sign a striker like Leonardo. In addition, the Merengues have “full faith in Endrick”. So, the young Brazilian wonderkid should be the long-term centre-forward at the Santiago Bernabeu.
