Real Madrid identify bizarre target to replace Man Utd bound Casemiro
FT Desk
- 19 Aug 2022 18:00 BST
- 3 min read
Real Madrid are preparing to spring a big surprise when it comes to the player chosen to fill Casemiro's shoes in the centre of midfield.
The reigning European and Spanish champions face the daunting task of potentially replacing a club legend.
The Brazilian now appears to be on the verge of a move to Manchester United, who will pay out a reported initial €60 million in order to shore up their flimsy midfield with one of the position's finest exponents.
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That of course leaves Madrid in something of a quandary going into the last two weeks of the transfer window.
While with Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde the club is not lacking options in the engine room they may still need further depth to repeat their battle on two fronts during 2022-23.
And it appears that the Madrid radar has fallen upon an unlikely candidate: Tottenham's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
The Denmark international has been at Spurs since 2020 and is now considered a vital part of Antonio Conte's line-up, starting both of their Premier League matches so far this season.
He proved his worth on Sunday with his side's first goal in their 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, cancelling out Kalidou Koulibaly's early strike.
Ancelotti a big fan of Spurs star
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has long been a fan of Hojbjerg, making an attempt to sign him while he was in charge of Everton before he opted for Tottenham.
And with competition fierce in Conte's midfield, Ancelotti may now get his wish.
The Italian did speak out to confirm an exit was imminent for Casemiro, while expressing his confidence that a new signing would be not be necessary.
“I have spoken with Casemiro. He wants to try a new challenge. We understand his decision. Yesterday [Thursday] I realised it was a real thing," he told reporters on Friday.
"My plans won’t change. As far as a replacement is concerned we have signed [Aurélien] Tchouaméni and he’s one of the best on the market. Then we have [Toni] Kroos and [Eduardo] Camavinga.”
