Real Madrid look to Brazil for Mbappe alternative
Daniel Edwards
- Updated: 5 Aug 2023 20:03 BST
- 3 min read
Real Madrid are continuing their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe, but plan B is in place - and in familiar environs.
After dramatically turning his back on the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu last summer in favour of re-signing at Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe is back in the Merengue gaze.
Mindful of his stand-off with the PSG hierarchy, Madrid are reportedly seeking to bring him in during the current window to fill the void left by Karim Benzema's departure.
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But as usual, they are also looking to the future and another hot talent from Brazil.
Deivid Washington is winning rave reviews after breaking into the Santos team in May 2023 while still a month short of his 18th birthday.
The forward netted on his full debut against Bahia and boasts two goals in nine games and looks set to be the next great prospect to come out of the academy that introduced the world to the likes of Pele, Robinho, Neymar and Rodrygo.
Santos' latest wonderkid?
At 1.87m Washington cuts an intimidating figure on the pitch, though at 18 it feels as if he still needs to grow into that frame somewhat.
His rather gangly appearance is also deceptive: this is a player who loves to run with the ball at feet, and whose mazy dribbling has left plenty of defenders looking foolish already.
According to Globo, Madrid's international transfer supremo Juni Calafat has been paying close attention to Washington and likes what he sees.
Calafat has accrued a sterling reputation for his ability to spot young talent and was crucial in the acquisitions of gems such as Vinicius Junior, Fede Valverde, Eder Militao and, most recently, summer signings Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham.
Madrid may not have things all their own way, however. Washington, who is under contract at Santos until 2026, has also attracted interest from Chelsea, having showed off his talents in an impressive display against Mauricio Pochettino's former club Newell's Old Boys in a Copa Sudamericana match earlier this year.
