Barcelona And Real Madrid Are Going Toe-To-Toe For This French Sensation

Barcelona And Real Madrid, the two Spanish Giants, have been clashing for a long time now, whether on the field or in acquiring the best talent in the business. Recently Cristiano Ronaldo took Los Blancos to new heights after scoring his 100th UEFA Champions League Goal, leaving Lionel Messi behind by three netted strikes.

However, when comes to their lineups, both clubs have struggled to find a dependable backline to support the front attacking trio, which has forced them to face humiliating defeats this season. From Barcelona’s 4-0 loss to PSG to their 2-0 defeat against Málaga to facing humiliation against Juventus, Luis Enrique has struggled to maintain his team’s momentum which has resulted in almost losing the La Liga race to Real Madrid.

Conditions at Santiago Bernabeu are also not much different as Zinedine Zidane sorely needs an able deputy for Marcelo to support the BBC trio.

In a bid to get things rights, Los Blancos, according to a report, have had a verbal agreement with Atletico Madrid defender Theo Hernandez, who is currently playing on a loan with Alves. It was reported that Real Madrid has agreed to pay for his €24 million release clause.

However, out of nowhere, FC Barcelona too have made a bid for the release clause but it’s not that surprising as the Catalans wanted to acquire his services last year but Atletico Madrid shipped him off to Alaves on loan.

Theo Hernandez has appeared 26 times in La Liga for his side this season and has shown plenty of attacking capabilities as well as his defensive work providing three assists.

( Video Courtesy: WorldOfFootballHD )

The heart of the matter is, while Real Madrid’s offer looks financially more attractive as it involves a five-year contract with steady increase in the value, €6 million in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, €7 million, €8 million and €9 million in the next three years, Theo Hernandez may head to Barcelona due to two reasons. First, Atletico will prefer doing business with the Catalans rather than Real and secondly, Hernandez doesn’t share a good repo with Real Madrid’s President, Florentino Perez due to the treatment given to one of Quilon’s clients, Rafael Benitez who is an ex-Real coach.

If Theo eventually signs with Barcelona, it will put a big question mark over Jordi Alba’s future at Barcelona. Due to a shortage of funds, Camp Nou may sell Jordi Alba to acquire the 19-year old. Moreover, he has failed to adapt to the changes brought by Luis Enrique in the 3-4-3 formation, which doesn’t have a place for a proper full-back. Jordi Alba was tried on the left-hand side of midfield, but he failed miserably in that role and the overlapping runs, as well as crosses, have stopped occurring.

In the end, while there are going to be many other talents to acquire during this summer transfer window, Theo Hernandez’s signing could have an impact on long-term futures. The 19 years old French National has shown great promise on the left flank and might be a valuable asset for both Barcelona and Real Madrid, whoever manages to acquire him.