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Barcelona and Real Madrid are all set to lock horns for the services of Dario Essugo, according to Fichajes.net. The 19-year-old midfielder is currently on a season-long loan at Las Palmas from Sporting and has been very impressive so far.
Essugo has registered one goal from 13 appearances across competitions, flourishing in a defensive midfield role. His efforts have caused a stir in LaLiga, prompting the two Spanish superpowers to take note.
The Catalans remain on the hunt for midfield reinforcements and could be tempted to sign a new defensive midfielder. Barcelona are yet to properly replace Sergio Busquets, who left Camp Nou in the summer of 2023.
Marc Casado has done a brilliant job this season, and the Catalans also have Marc Bernal in their ranks for the position. However, the chance to sign Essugo apparently appeals to the club hierarchy.
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But Barcelona will not have a free run at the Portuguese midfielder, with Real Madrid also in the race. The reigning champions are also looking for midfield reinforcements amid the uncertainties surrounding the future of Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Frenchman was signed as a replacement for Casemiro, but has shown signs of regression this season. Meanwhile, Los Blancos are also yet to sign a replacement for Toni Kroos, who retired this summer. Essugo could be an option for the job.
Real Madrid have shifted focus to younger targets in recent times and the Portuguese fits their transfer strategy. His contract with Sporting runs until 2027, but they are apparently willing to let him go for €60m.
Will Barcelona and Real Madrid go to war for Erling Haaland in 2025?
Barcelona and Real Madrid are apparently preparing to go to war for Erling Haaland next summer, according to recent reports. The Norwegian is one of the most lethal strikers in the world at the moment and has scored 108 goals from 121 games since joining Manchester City in 2022.
Los Blancos lack a proven No. 9 in their team and have been linked with the 24-year-old for ages. The reigning champions are apparently planning to team up Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior with Haaland to forge a new 'Galactico' attack.
The transfer is likely to cost a fortune, but Real Madrid have the finances to complete such a deal. However, Barcelona also have their eyes on Haaland as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who will turn 37 next August.
