Bellingham under threat? Real Madrid plan €110m PSG raid

Cameron Smith

27 Oct 2024 16:00 CDT
3 min read

Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing an ambitious move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery in 2025.

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The France international has become an integral part of Luis Enrique’s side over the past 12 months and Los Blancos are eager to bring him to Madrid as they look to bolster their midfield options next year.

Real Madrid opted against signing a replacement for Toni Kroos following his retirement this summer, with Jude Bellingham instead dropping into a deeper role in order to replace the German and accommodate the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.

However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have set their sights on bringing a new central midfielder to the club in 2025 and Zaire-Emery is currently their preferred target, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.

Real Madrid are reportedly willing to submit an offer in excess of €110 million for the 18-year-old, whose contract at the Parc des Princes isn’t due to expire until 2029.

Zaire-Emery became PSG’s youngest ever player when he made his first-team debut in August 2022 and he has already racked up 84 senior appearances for the Parisians.

Thierry Henry on Warren Zaire-Emery

In October 2023, following his breakthrough into PSG’s senior side, Zaire-Emery received immense adulation from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

The 47-year-old, who was in charge of France’s U21 side at the time, told CBS: “The way Warren Zaire-Emery is playing, it is normal to run the show at just 17 years old. He’s been magnificent.

“The sky is the limit. I have never seen a player that young being so mature. Usually, you have youngsters that play as forwards that make the difference. But when you play in midfield for a team like PSG, you need to readjust. It is rare to see such a young player in that position.”

Current ETV

Warren Zaïre-Emery

M (C)

PSG

Warren Zaïre-Emery

M (C)

PSG

ETV Range

€44.2M - €73.6M

Henry continued: “I gave him the armband because I wanted to see the next thing. I know that physically, he is strong, he can run, he can see a pass, he can stop a counter. I want to know if he can also stop a player by talking.

“I gave him the armband to know if he could direct the team and talk. That was my way of seeing if he could do that, and trust me, he can. This guy has no limits.”