Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid could join forces for an unlikely transfer deal this summer
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Tottenham Hotspur and new manager Thomas Frank will firmly hope that their transfer business is not yet done for the summer as the club look to build on Europa League success.
Frank arrived to replace Ange Postecoglou and will have no easy task on his hands. He has added the likes of Mohammed Kudus to his squad, alongside permanent returns for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso and the recent loan signing of Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich. But a move for Morgan Gibbs-White fell through at the eleventh hour, while links with Eberechi Eze have died down amidst interest from arch-rivals Arsenal.
Spurs are not the only club with a new manager eager to impress this summer, as Spanish giants Real Madrid have appointed Xabi Alonso as the successor to the legendary figure of Carlo Ancelotti. Alonso has a high reputation, both at the club and externally, but will feel the pressure to challenge for La Liga and the Champions League in his first season in the Spanish capital.
Spurs and Real Madrid swap deal could stun the transfer market
One of the issues surrounding Alonso’s early months in Madrid has been the future of Rodrygo, who may not be viewed as a first-choice for Los Blancos next season and reportedly wants a move to the Premier League. Liverpool and Arsenal have often been linked throughout the window, but Spurs have recently joined the race and may be prepared to spend a huge £78 million on the Brazil international.
With Son Heung-min having announced he will leave the club this summer, Spurs may feel that they have a gap in their starting XI and in their wage structure for a marquee signing of the class of Rodrygo. The Lilywhites may opt to include a player in negotiations to soften the deal with Real.
Rodrygo’s Brazil international team-mate Richarlison may be available for sale this summer according to reports and Spurs could decide to include the former Everton and Watford forward in a potential deal for Rodrygo as they look to get an advantage over rival suitors.
Rodrygo and Richarlison swap deal could be the answer
Richarlison has previously expressed that to play for Real Madrid someday is his dream, which could come true if this swap deal were to come to fruition. The Brazilian has struggled with form and fitness issues at Spurs but often rises to the occasion when playing for his national side, something it is more than conceivable that he could do once again for Los Blancos.
Alonso and Madrid have reportedly been looking to sign a back-up striker this summer - someone in the mould of Joselu, who scored important goals off the bench last time Real won the Champions League in 2023/24 - and Richarlison could fit that bill. While the recent emergence of Gonzalo Garcia may have thrown these plans into jeopardy, Richarlison could arrive to compete with the 21-year-old Spaniard for minutes and would be delighted just to get the chance to play for the club he loves.
Spurs have been reported as considering a cut-price deal to get Richarlison off the books this summer, as the forward may struggle for minutes under Frank. A bid by the north London side of around £50m - £60m plus Richarlison may therefore be enough to get a deal for Rodrygo over the line. This would truly stun the football world if it were to happen.