Real Madrid has suffered more than desired this year. Injuries have plagued the defense, but the most noticeable decline has been in the midfield. Since Casemiro's departure and Toni Kroos's retirement announcement, the white team's engine room has lost balance and leadership.
Camavinga and Tchouaméni have been tasked with taking over, and they have delivered, yes. Good matches, physical presence, commitment, but it's not enough. Madrid needs more, they need someone who imposes, organizes, and takes control of the midfield like Casemiro did.
That's why, after the recent defeat in the Copa del Rey final, the management has entered a phase of deep reflection. Florentino Pérez and his team are aware that the midfield needs reinforcement, and they will do so this summer.
A Casemiro Profile on the Radar
While many rumors continue to place renowned names in the white orbit, Zubimendi, Wirtz, Mac Allister, there is a name that is starting to resonate strongly in Valdebebas: Éderson dos Santos.
This 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder is shining in Serie A with Atalanta. He is strong, tactically disciplined, and has an attacking presence. He has shown that he can be both a defensive anchor and an organizer in the opponent's field, a mixed profile, just what Madrid needs.
The white scouts, led by Juni Calafat, have already made moves, discreet but firm. The club likes his versatility and maturity. He is not a media signing, but a functional one, one of those who win matches quietly.
A High Price, but Manageable
Atalanta is not willing to let him go easily. According to the newspaper As, his transfer would be valued at around €75 million. His contract expires in 2027, and his market value is around 50 million, but the Italian club wants more.
Éderson is key in Gasperini's scheme. He has been indisputable for two seasons. Moreover, not only Madrid is following him: Manchester United, Juventus, and Atlético de Madrid are also on the lookout, and the competition could drive the price even higher.
Éderson is not the most famous, but he might be the most suitable. He has experience, physique, tactical understanding, and quality, and something very important: hunger. If Florentino decides, a key signing could arrive to mark a new era in the white midfield.