Real Madrid ready to activate release clause to sign highly rated LaLiga defender - Reports
Real Madrid have set their sights on Yarek Gasiorowski, according to AS. The Spanish centerback is highly rated at Valencia and has turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu as well.
Los Blancos remain in the market for defensive reinforcements. There's an urgent need for a new partner for Eder Militao, with both Antonio Rudiger and David Alana on the wrong side of 30. Nacho Fernandez's departure this summer also opened up space at the back for a new face.
The LaLiga giants initially identified Leny Yoro as the ideal candidate for the job. However, Real Madrid's refusal to match Lille's asking price for the 18-year-old ended up costing the club. Manchester United took advantage of the stalemate and secured the Frenchman's signature.
Los Blancos opted not to sign an alternative over the summer, but it is already evident that they are a little light at the back. Alaba is still recovering from last season's ACL injury and isn't expected to be back before November. Interestingly, Dani Carvajal, right-back by profession, started alongside Rudiger at the heart of the backline in midweek, further highlighting the urgency for reinforcements.
The LaLiga champions have now identified Gasiorowski as a solution for their defensive conundrum. The 19-year-old is under contract with Valencia until 2026, but there's an automatic option to extend it to 2027 once he hits 20 appearances for the senior side.
The Spanish defender has 18 games to his name and has a release clause of €45m, which will suit Real Madrid. However, once he makes two more appearances and his contract is automatically renewed, the clause is likely to increase as well.
Can Yarek Gasiorowski improve Real Madrid?
Real Madrid are always on the hunt of the next big talent in the land and Yarek Gasiorowski fits the bill. The Spaniard has all the attributes to excel alongside Eder Militao at the Santiago Bernabeu. He also played a huge part in the Spain Under-19 team's triumph in the European Under-19 championship this year.
It is believed that La Roja are planning for the future with Gasiorowski and Pau Cubarsi of Barcelona as their centerback pairing. The Valencia defender hasn't been a first team regular under Ruben Baraja at the Mestalla of late but his stock remains high.
Atletico Madrid are already hot on his heels, while Inter Milan and RB Salzburg also have their eyes on the Spaniard. As such, Los Blancos won't have a free run at Gasiorowski. It is also important to note that Real Madrid have a frosty relationship with Valencia, with only one player (Raul Albiol) making the move from the Mestalla to the Santiago Bernabeu this century.