English Premier League
Real Madrid consider Højbjerg after Rodri transfer setback
Real Madrid are considering whether to strengthen their midfield after missing out on Rodri, with Olympique de Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Højbjerg emerging as a possible option.
The failure to sign Rodri has been viewed as a major blow for the Spanish capital club. Real Madrid were unable to secure an exceptional midfielder at a time when the centre of the pitch is still regarded as one of their main weaknesses.
The disappointment has been made worse by the prospect of Rodri joining their traditional rivals, Barcelona.
In the hours after the deal appeared to slip away, the Madrid-based media suggested the setback could bring an early end to Real Madrid’s summer transfer activity. However, that view has since changed, with indications now pointing towards the club continuing its search for another midfielder.
Jose Mourinho appeared to hint at that possibility on Saturday after his side’s 2-1 friendly victory over Ferencvaros.
“We want a smaller squad, with 20 players plus the injured players, such as Rodrygo, Militao and Ferland. But we also need a new player capable of doing what Bernardo does, which is playing in several positions in midfield,” Mourinho said.
The comments were interpreted as an indirect attempt to encourage the club’s hierarchy to bring in a new midfield option.
Since then, Madrid’s media outlets have continued to publish a mixture of reported information and speculation about possible targets. Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar have both been mentioned repeatedly.
The name of Ayyoub Bouaddi has also featured in the discussion, although all indications suggest the Morocco international is set to join Manchester City.
Now Cadena SER has proposed another candidate to Real Madrid’s decision-makers: Højbjerg, the 31-year-old Denmark midfielder currently playing for Olympique de Marseille and formerly of Bayern Munich.
The suggestion comes from the radio station rather than from any confirmed interest by Real Madrid. At least for now, there is no indication that the club has made a formal approach for Højbjerg.
His profile would give the team a different type of midfielder. The Denmark international offers greater physical strength, is comfortable in high-tempo matches and is noted for his positional discipline.
Højbjerg may not possess the same potential for development as Wharton or Bouaddi, but he could provide energy, balance and experience to a Real Madrid midfield that needs to recover some of its authority and character.
Cadena SER also highlighted Højbjerg’s relatively low price compared with some of the other alternatives as a potentially important factor.
Whether Real Madrid will act on that recommendation remains uncertain. The club would also have to contend with interest from Newcastle, who are targeting Højbjerg as well.