It is understood that La Liga giants, Real Madrid, are considering to replace Brazilian left-back Marcelo, according to his agent Ricardo Schlieper. According to Schlieper while speaking on Radio Rivadavia, he stated that his client and Ajax Amsterdam full-back, Nicolas Tagliafico is among the players Los Blancos are considering to sign in the next transfer window once Marcelo completes a move to the Italian Serie A.
He said: “It’s said that Tagliafico’s name has been included on Real Madrid’s shortlist because Marcelo will join Juventus. However, no-one’s called me yet, even if there have been enquiries from other teams. He has two years left on his contract and he has no release clause, but Ajax have set a minimum price for the top European clubs. Which teams are they? All I can say is that among them, there’s a big Spanish club. That said, I think it’s the right time for Tagliafico to step up a level.”
The Argentinian joined Ajax from Independiente in January last year, and he has quickly become an important player in Amsterdam. Ajax have shipped 12 goals in the five Eredivisie matches in which he has not featured this season, but they have only conceded eight in 18 games when he has played. At the other end, he has contributed four goals and five assists in all competitions, with his efforts in the UEFA Champions League particularly standing out.
Nicolás Tagliafico has scored more goals (3) than any other defender in the Champions League so far this season. However, discipline is an issue for the 26-year-old, who has picked up 15 bookings —resulting in one sending-off — in his 44 matches with the Dutch side. That aside, he would bring international experience should he come to the Santiago Bernabeu, though, having been involved for Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia wher he was one of their few strong performers during the tournament as they bowed out in the second round to eventual winners, France.
Real Madrid would be signing Tagliafico likely to come in as a backup for Sergio Reguilon. The Spanish fullback’s emergence at the Santiago Bernabeu this season has come at the right time for Los Blancos, but if Marcelo were to move on they could be short of cover at left-back. Tagliafico may be the solution, giving Real two strong options competing for game time there.
W