Real Sociedad icon looks back on failed Real Madrid transfer move: ‘It was a serious option’ | OneFootball

Former Real Sociedad striker Darko Kovacevic has an interesting history with Real Madrid, not least because he once came close to wearing the white shirt himself.

The former Serbian striker was involved in negotiations with Madrid in 1999 during his first spell at Real Sociedad, but the deal dragged on, and he eventually accepted an offer from Juventus instead.

He would later become something of a thorn in Madrid’s side after returning to Real Sociedad.

Kovacevic scored 10 goals against Los Blancos in total, including a brace in Sociedad’s memorable 4-2 victory in 2003 and another goal in a remarkable 4-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu the following year.

In an interview, as quoted by AS, Kovacevic spoke about his failed move to Madrid.

“It was a serious option. We spoke for several months, but the signing was not completed, time passed, and Juventus appeared with very strong interest,” he said.

Kovacevic compares his story to Rodri

Asked whether his situation resembled Rodri’s decision to choose Barcelona after Madrid showed interest, Kovacevic agreed.

“It could be very similar to what I experienced. If what I read and hear is true, Madrid had been interested for some time, there were doubts, they did not close it earlier, and then Barcelona appeared at the end,” he said.

Kovacevic also described Rodri’s transfer to Barça as “the signing of the summer internationally”.

Darko Kovacevic could have played for Real Madrid. (Photo by Bagu Blanco/Getty Images).

He also felt that the €75 million fee for a 30-year-old was justified when the player has the pedigree that Rodri does.

“Clubs think a lot about age and how much football a player has left, but if he gives you four or five good years, for me the investment is already justified,” he explained.

Every team has extra motivation against Madrid

Kovacevic scored 10 goals against Real Madrid during his career, but insisted there was never any bitterness over the move that failed to happen.

“Against Madrid, every team has extra motivation because the big clubs force you to give your maximum. Everyone wants to beat them because those victories have huge impact,” he said.

He also addressed Madrid’s midfield needs after missing out on Rodri.

“Madrid wanted Rodri and could have gone for Zubimendi a year ago, but Mourinho is the one who has to decide whether he needs that type of player,” Kovacevic explained.

Diomande and Espi get his backing

On Yan Diomande’s enormous transfer fee, Kovacevic was measured.

“He is a great player and has a fantastic future ahead of him. Madrid have made a big investment in him, and time will tell whether he is worth that money,” he said.

Darko Kovacevic has praised Carlos Espi. (DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Firo Foto/ALLSPORT)

He was far more certain about Carlos Espi.

“I like that kid. He has present and future. He is the type of striker big teams always need. Madrid did very well with Joselu, and I think they will do very well with Espi too. He looks like a great signing,” Kovacevic elaborated.

He was also asked who he would sign for Madrid if they had an unlimited budget, and his answer was interesting.

“I would try for Lamine Yamal,” he concluded.

Another ‘what could have been’ story

Looking back, Kovacevic’s story remains one of those fascinating Real Madrid “what ifs”.

A powerful, prolific No. 9 who eventually became so effective against Madrid could easily have been scoring those goals in white instead.

There is also some irony in how things developed. Madrid missed out on Kovacevic and then repeatedly suffered at his hands after he returned to Spain.

More than two decades later, the story has repeated itself with Rodri, and Los Blancos will hope that the Barça midfielder does not subject them to the same kind of performances in the coming seasons.