Real Madrid to rival Man Utd for WANTAWAY striker

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 May 2023 20:22 BST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid have entered the race to sign Ajax stars Mohammed Kudus and Jurrien Timber, which could bring them on a collision course with Manchester United.

The two Eredivise players are some of Europe's hottest commodities at the moment despite Ajax's underwhelming campaign, which sees the Dutch giant merely in third, having had to watch on as hated rivals Feyenoord lifted the title.

Perhaps precisely due to this poor season, Kudus and Timber feel as though they have outgrown the Amsterdam club.

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While Kudus' agent has been open about her client's desire to leave, Timber has been more low-key about it, recently appearing on a Dutch TV show but refusing to answer any of the questions he was peppered with regarding his future.

Both could be on their way out this summer, and they have some high-profile suitors.

Kudus to Manchester or Madrid?

The battle around Kudus will be especially intriguing because the Ghanaian sharpshooter, who has hit 18 goals this season, is being courted by Manchester United and Real Madrid. According to Spanish media, Los Blancos are now firmly in the race to sign the 22-year-old.

Kudus could be an interesting option for United seeing as though he would be a significantly cheaper alternative to the likes of Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and even Dusan Vlahovic. Ajax are reported to want just €46 million for him, though that is subject to rise as interest in him increases.

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Besides United and Real, Arsenal, Newcastle and Everton are interested in the striker, while Timber is being monitored most keenly by Napoli in addition to the Madrid side, according to Dutch media.

Ajax are in danger of missing out on the Champions League, meaning that keeping both Kudus and Timber could become impossible. Nevertheless, the Dutch club hope to that they can convince the two to stay for one more season so that they can cash in on them next summer.

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