Who is Marcos Leonardo? Real Madrid’s sights set on Brazilian youngster
The 20-year-old is a prolific goal scorer. His agent was at the Bernabéu last night, following days of contacts.
Most football fans won’t have heard of him... but they soon will. Marcos Leonardo is not just another unknown promise, but one of those players who will make his mark in Europe without any doubt. The only question is where will he end up? A bidding war is underway - one which Real Madrid has just joined.
The Spanish giants have been in talks for the past few days with the player’s entourage to glean as much information as they can and weigh up whether to sign him. There is still no formal offer, or anything like it. As O Globo state, contacts have been limited to a matter of finding out a little more about the player and his contractual situation. Because he is an interesting footballer - and more importantly, he is a proven goal scorer.
Who is he?
Brazilian striker, 20 years old, right-footed. He’s not a flash in the pan - he is currently the third top scorer in the Brasileirão, with 13 strikes. A gunslinger and star of a Santos side that is at present, going through an exceptional situation - one of Brazil’s historic teams is battling to avoid relegation. Marcos Leonardo’s goals are the miracle that feeds faith that they can stay alive. He is an idol in Vila Belmiro, a team leader and a player who feels what it means to wear Santos’ colors. He made his way up through the youth ranks and at least for the time being, is only thinking about finishing the job (the Brazilian league ends on 6 December). But from January, things could start to develop quickly.
“I am prepared to play for a great club in Europe,” the young striker said in an interview with AS. And there are plenty of suitors. Last summer, he was less than one step away from joining Roma (who offered €18 million), but he finally stayed to help his team in their relegation battle. It only delayed the inevitable - soon he will end up in Europe, which is what he wants. Right now, Real Madrid have shown an interest, but in the back offices in Chamartín, officials are aware that Newcastle is preparing a big offer. The Magpies are very serious about signing him. And there will be more proposals.
Agent, at the Bernabéu
The situation took another turn last night when the player’s agent, Fernando Brito, appeared at the Bernabéu to watch the game from a box. Without any interest in keeping his visit a secret, he even took a photograph with Rafaela Pimenta, Haaland’s agent, who was also spotted in Chamartín. Real Madrid are very upfront about the need to sign a great striker next summer and, apart from Endrick, other players are being tested. Among them, of course, Haaland, who would cost between 180 and 200 million euros. But within Juni Calafat’s secret agenda there is also his compatriot Marcos Leonardo, currently valued at €17 million.
National team
The young forward has caused a sensation in the lower categories of the Canarinha, passing through the Under-16, U-20 and U-23 sides. His next step is the senior team, where he has yet to make his debut... but that day is getting closer. And in Fernando Diniz’s last list, where Endrick’s name appeared, he was part of the preliminary list, falling just short of it. A sign that he is very close. “Let time tak its course”, he wrote.
He sees himself defending the colors of his country very soon. Even with an eye on the next World Cup. Marcos Leonardo will make the leap to European football this summer (or maybe even this winter). The player knows it and his environment knows it. The only incognito is where. Madrid... are thinking about it.