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REAL MADRID

Who is João Gomes, the ‘new Casemiro’ on Real Madrid’s radar?

Real Madrid are looking to add €30m-rated Flamengo midfielder João Gomes after the departure of Casemiro to Manchester United.

Update:
Real Madrid join the chase for the ‘new Casemiro’
CARLA CARNIELREUTERS

Real Madrid’s recent policy of scouring the South American market for the stars of tomorrow has reaped dividends over the past decade with the likes of Rodrygo, Vinicius and Casemiro all arriving at the Bernabéu and cementing their places in the first team squad. Now, Madrid have set their sights on a new Brazilian star, Flamengo midfielder João Gomes, who is seen as a natural heir successor to Casemiro. Several European clubs are also keeping tabs on the 21-year-old, including Liverpool and Manchester United, who acquired the services of Casemiro during the summer window.

According to Martín Liberman of ESPN, Madrid hold a certain advantage over the rest of the interested clubs and have already initiated talk over Gomes, although it remains unclear if the Bernabéu board will make their move in January or next summer. “I have information that he is very close to Real Madrid, who would pay €30 million for him”, the Argentine journalist posted on his Twitter account.

Real Madrid in pole position for Gomes

Flamengo have known for some time that their young star has been attracting interest from Europe and as such decided to hand Gomes a new contract last week. Initially, the defensive midfielder’s contract ran until 2025 with a minimum release clause of €10m. After the renewal, he is now under contract at the Brazilian club until 2027 and with his release clause raised to €30m.

The strategy Real Madrid intend to pursue is similar to the one they exercised with Vinicius and Rodrigo a few years ago: signing young players who have the potential to go on to become world class superstars. The Bernabéu also enjoys a good relationship with Flamengo after snapping up Vinicius from the Brazilian side in the summer of 2018.

Madrid’s idea is that Gomes, a ball-playing defensive midfielder who likes to get forward, will become the side’s ‘new Casemiro.’ In the meantime, the youngster is preparing to play in the final of the Copa Libertadores against Athletico Paranaense on 29 October.