Why PSG star Marquinhos would be a top signing for Real Madrid
According to French outlet Le10Sport (h/t Daily Mail), Real Madrid have made contact with Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos.
Marquinhos, who plies his trade with the French champions, has a current contract which holds him to the club until the summer of 2022. However, the club’s negotiations to extend it by a further two years have hit an impasse over the player’s salary demands.
Meanwhile, Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid are eager to pounce on this situation and land the experienced 25-year-old defender.
Predominantly a centre-back, Marquinhos has, however, played in a variety of roles in defence, with his current coach Thomas Tuchel regularly deploying him in the defensive midfield role this season.
Despite it not being his natural position, Marquinhos has handled it with aplomb. The mere 10 goals they have conceded so far this season from 18 league games lays further claim to his versatility.
Also, he has played over 269 games for the French giants ever since he joined them from Roma in the summer of 2013. Marquinhos’ growth at PSG has been a gradual one, but he has grown in confidence over the years, establishing himself as a regular within the side.
He has played a total of 21 games across all competitions this season and has been a regular presence in the Champions League squad, featuring in all of their group games.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are not somebody new to the Brazilian, having faced his side’s wrath early in the season, losing 3-0 in their opening game of the European competition.
Marquinhos played a crucial role, cutting down Madrid’s attacks in the middle, thereby helping his side register a dominant victory. The defender was also key to his side finishing as group-winners above the La Liga side by a difference of five points.
Moreover, playing consistently at the top level for the last few years makes him a good fit for Real, who are currently undergoing a transition under Zidane.
Ever since they were knocked out of the Champions League Round of 16 by a young Ajax side last season, Madrid have been trying to rebuild their squad, with the club making as many as 8 new signings in the summer.
Even though they have been quite impressive in the league this season until now, conceding just 12 goals from 18 games, it would not be long until things take a different turn.
The Madrid defence led by veteran Sergio Ramos has been one of strongest in the recent past, with the side having won three consecutive Champions League titles in the 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18 seasons.
However, the humiliating defeat they suffered against an inexperienced but talented Ajax side raised a few eyebrows regarding their side’s defence.
Even though Ramos still looks rock-solid at the back, he is already 33 and cannot get younger. They need a replacement for him and Marquinhos could be the ideal candidate given his vast experience.
Read more:
- Why Real Madrid loaning out Jovic would not be a wise decision
- Why Camavinga would be a great future investment for Real Madrid
- Why Ferran Torres would be an outstanding investment for Real Madrid
Moreover, his versatility in defence makes him a good back-up for Brazilian Casemiro, who is Madrid’s sole defensive midfielder.
Verdict
An established defender like Marquinhos will undoubtedly be a great fit for a top side like Madrid. Having proven his mettle by winning 5 French titles already, Marquinhos would be a top-quality signing for Real Madrid.