According to a report from SPORT, Real Madrid are closely monitoring Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz as they aim to bolster their midfield.
With the departure of Toni Kroos at the start of the season, Madrid’s midfield has been in need of reinforcement. The situation worsened with injuries to key players like Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham, leaving the team without the creative spark they rely on.
The club has found it difficult to replace the agile and versatile midfielder they need to control the game, distribute play both short and long, and maintain possession.
There are other options as well
Although players like Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni are exceptional in their roles, neither possesses the specific skills required to command the midfield in this way.
Luka Modric and Arda Guler come closer to fitting the bill, but both have limitations. Modric, at his age, no longer has the stamina required for such a demanding position, while Guler, at just 19, is still developing and lacks experience.
Both players are also more inclined towards attacking roles rather than defensive play. As a result, Real Madrid have been scouring the market, considering names like Manchester City’s Rodri and PSG’s Vitinha. However, Fabian Ruiz has now emerged as a strong candidate.
Ancelotti’s favourite?
The 28-year-old has impressed with his performances for Spain, showcasing the talents that have made him stand out. His journey began at Real Betis, where he caught Real Madrid’s eye in 2018.
Despite their initial interest, Madrid hesitated, and Napoli swooped in, securing his transfer for €30 million, marking the most expensive transfer in the club’s history.
Ironically, it was Carlo Ancelotti, now Real Madrid’s manager, who pushed for his signing while coaching Napoli.
Ruiz thrived at Napoli and eventually made the move to PSG in the summer of 2022 for €22.5 million, another missed opportunity for Real Madrid.
Under Luis Enrique at PSG, Ruiz has become a key player, with his market value currently standing at €35 million and a contract running until 2027.
However, a move to Madrid now seems unlikely, as relations between the two clubs are strained, making Ruiz a player that Madrid may have missed out on for good.
