The overhaul begins
Real Madrid have confirmed their first signing of Zinedine Zidane’s second spell in charge of the club, as Eder Militao has agreed to join the club from FC Porto.
The defender will join Madrid on a six-year contract this summer after for a fee of €50 million, after they triggered his release clause.
A statement on Real Madrid’s website reads: “Real Madrid and Porto have agreed the transfer of the player Éder Militão, who will be linked to the club during the next six seasons, until June 30, 2025.”
The €50m fee represents a huge profit for Porto, who signed Militao from Brazilian club Sao Paolo last summer for just over £6m.
The 21-year-old will provide competition for veteran defender Sergio Ramos and World Cup winner Raphael Varane next season, as Madrid look to refresh an ageing squad under Zidane’s leadership.
According to WhoScored’s data, Militao is a well-rounded centre-back, whose strengths include aerial duels, dribbling, tackling and interceptions.
Militao will be the first of many signings Real Madrid make this summer, after a dismal season reaffirmed the need for an overhaul on the squad that won three consecutive Champions League titles.
Senior figures such as Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos are all approaching or have reached the age of 30, while captain Ramos and Luka Modrić are 32 and 33 respectively.
Zidane’s return suggests that Madrid president Florentino Perez has given the Frenchman assurances that signings will be made this summer – assurances that he couldn’t give back in May when Zidane stepped down from the job.
Football fans will be able to catch a glimpse of Militao in the Champions League quarter-finals this season, after Porto advanced to the last eight with an extra-time win over Roma in the last 16.
The draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals will take place on Friday.
