Real Madrid target the 'New Van Dijk': it's a bargain

The recent dilemma surrounding the serious injury to Antonio Rüdiger only proves Xabi Alonso right. The Tolosa coach, after the Club World Cup, requested the addition of a center-back and a creative midfielder, preferably with a defensive profile, to complete Santiago Bernabéu locker room.

From the Valdebebas offices, it was indicated that activity regarding signings had ended with the arrival of Álvaro Carreras. Nevertheless, both profiles were already in the hands of the sporting management and the scouts led by Juni Calafat. That's why the list of potential signings for the white squad already includes several players who fit those tactical descriptions.

One of the latest to join those transfer projects Real Madrid is considering for upcoming seasons is Aaron Bouwman. The very young Ajax center-back from Amsterdam has surprised the entire European football elite with his strong performance in the opening matchdays of the current Eredivisie campaign. So much so that some already know him as the "new Van Dijk".

The comparisons with Virgil van Dijk, the veteran Dutch center-back and leader of Liverpool's defense for the past seven seasons, reinforce the positive impression this young defender has left. The information published by TEAMTalk reveals the moves of several "giants" of European soccer, who are positioning themselves in case of a future transfer saga.

Interesting project

Clubs such as Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool itself, Manchester City, or Manchester United are the hypothetical competition for Real Madrid to secure the services of Aaron Bouwman in the coming summers. The white board believes that it's still too early to try to claim his signing.

There are hardly any reports detailing his performance and the ways in which he could fit into the generational change currently being applied to the defense. That work falls to Juni Calafat's scouts, who will have to send constant updates about the center-back, who is just 5 ft. 11 in. (1.80 meters) and 18 years old.

The market value of Aaron Bouwman is set at one million euros. If they try to secure his services, the executives led by Florentino Pérez would orchestrate a move as soon as possible. Not only to prevent their competitors from strengthening with this young talent, but also to achieve a reduced price and avoid a bidding war that would significantly increase the cost of the operation.

Therefore, the Madrid bosses would only have to allocate a maximum of ten million euros for the signing of the Ajax center-back from Amsterdam. While it's true that the Dutch player is under contract until the summer of 2027, the bosses of the European club will put up strong resistance to letting the latest talent from its academy leave.