Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Gerard Moreno and have even submitted an enquiry for the 29-year-old Villarreal forward.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid are closely following the progress of a couple of Ballon d’Or nominees in particular. One of these two aforementioned stars is Gerard Moreno, with the La Liga heavyweights even making an approach for the 29-year-old Villarreal forward.
Gerard Moreno has spent most of his career – right from his youth playing days – at just two clubs in Espanyol and Villarreal. The Spanish international started out at Espanyol in 2001 after spending his first formative year at CF Damm before joining Villarreal in 2007. After graduating from the Valencian club’s academy in 2010, he struggled to make an impact and returned to Espanyol in 2015.
However, it is since his return to Villarreal in the summer of 2018 that the native of Santa Perpetua has well and truly gone a long way in fulfilling his potential, with 64 goals in 137 appearances so far for the Yellow Submarine. His progress at El Madrigal has not gone unnoticed either, with some of the biggest clubs in Europe keen on signing him, none more so than Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are in the hunt for a striker in the months leading up to next summer’s transfer window as they lay down a succession plan for Karim Benzema. While the Frenchman is going strong, it is worth noting that he is well into his thirties and could be on the decline in a few years.
To that end, Erling Haaland is the priority target for Real Madrid, who are seen as the favourites to land the Borussia Dortmund forward. However, with the competition for Haaland being so high, it will be prudent to keep their options open, which is perhaps why they have turned their attention towards a striker excelling within La Liga.
Moreno, though, would be a viable target even if Haaland arrives, seeing as he is equally adept at playing out wide as he is through the middle. And with Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard facing a lot of uncertainty at Real Madrid, the 29-year-old could well arrive as a wide attacking reinforcement.
Having said that, Moreno’s current contract still has a little under six years left to run out, meaning Villarreal are likely to charge a premium. With that in mind, it remains to be seen if Real Madrid are willing to stump up a pricey sum to land the Spanish international, considering a major chunk of their budget will be assigned to secure the services of Haaland.
