Real Madrid join Barcelona in race to sign Brazilian next Messi

James Shearman

• Updated: 23 Nov 2023 20:09 GMT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid will provide competition for Barcelona in the race to sign wonderkid Estevao Willian, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Willian, who plays for Brazilian club Palmeiras, has been given the name 'Messinho'.

While nobody is seriously expecting him to replicate the achievements of Lionel Messi, there is certainly a resemblance in their style of play.

And, given he is drawing the attention of top European clubs at just 16 years of age, Willian has the potential to become a superstar one day.

'Messinho' has previously admitted that he would love to play for Barcelona, though he may feel the same way about Madrid too.

The latter have been in contact with Palmeiras, as per the report, to discuss his future.

Meanwhile, the likes of PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are also keeping tabs on the youngster.

Real Madrid want to sign another 'Galactico' next year

Real Madrid are also reportedly preparing for the arrival of a ‘Galactico’, with moves for Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe said to be ‘on the horizon’.

The Spanish side’s latest accounts show an availability of €128 million in cash, with an additional €265m accessible via credit policies, according to AS.

Real have also cleared space in their wage bill to accommodate five or six years of salary for a ‘galactico’, with a drop in payments from €404.9m last summer to €326.5m now after the exits of Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard.

There has also been a 17% increase in total income and the combination of all the factors has led to the belief that Real will make a major signing next year.