Real Madrid set sights on 18-year-old midfield prodigy wanted by half of Europe – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid might not make any moves in the upcoming January transfer window, but that hasn’t stopped the club from scouting young players with a promising future.

Earlier today, it was revealed that Real Madrid are among the clubs keeping close tabs on 17-year-old defensive prodigy Honest Ahanor.

The club are tracking many other such youngsters, with an eye for a potential move in the summer of 2026. And latest player to join that list is a French midfielder wanted by half of Europe.

Darryl Bakola wanted by Real Madrid

According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid are among the clubs interested in the services of Darryl Bakola.

Currently plying his trade with Marseille, the young central midfielder has shown immense and at the age of just 18, he has already featured in ten competitive matches for the Ligue 1 outfit.

Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi is a huge fan of Bakola. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

The report suggests Real Madrid had sent scouts, led by Juni Calafat, to monitor Bakola closely. And they were mightily impressed by the player’s composure and what he offered to the table.

To make things even better, Bakola is unlikely to cost a fortune with Transfermarkt valuing him at just €4 million.

What’s the big issue then?

The biggest obstacle Real Madrid are going to face in the race to sign Bakola is the sheer competition from the rest of Europe.

Clubs like Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart are equally keen on acquiring the services of Bakola, with both clubs having a reputation for nurturing young talent.

Real Madrid will also face stiff competition from Premier League clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United.

Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid may find it hard to convince the player to make the move to Bakola, especially given the intense competition between the existing players.