Real Madrid’s midfield is clearly in dire need of a major overhaul, and club president Florentino Pérez appears to have finally set his sights on his biggest goal.
Radical changes are expected at the Bernabéu after a very frustrating season in which Los Blancos looked set to surrender the La Liga title to Barcelona for the second year in a row.
According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid are actively planning a bold summer raid on Manchester City in order to secure the availability of Dutch midfielder Tijani Lijnders.
In fact, Real Madrid had a lot of interest in the 27-year-old during his impressive spell at AC Milan, but it was Man City who ultimately swooped in and brought him to the Etihad in the summer of 2025.
Real Madrid renew interest in Lijnders
Now, after two underwhelming seasons, the Spanish giants are ready to take decisive action to revitalize their stalled project.
The club’s management are desperately looking for a technical leader who can provide vision, balance and much-needed personality in the middle of the park.
After all, the upcoming summer transfer window is shaping up to be a pivotal period for Real Madrid.
They will end the season without winning a single trophy, which is completely unexpected for a club like Real Madrid given their high standards.
Man City midfielder has struggled at the Etihad this season
Signing a complete and dynamic midfielder like Lijnders from Man City would be a huge statement of intent.
It remains to be seen whether the Dutchman alone can solve the midfield problem. They probably need more than one player at that position.
However, Lijnders has shown how consistent he is at AC Milan and if Real Madrid can land that version of the Dutchman, they will be more than happy with their business.
According to recent reports, the Dutch midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium after his playing time has declined under manager Josep Guardiola.
Ornstein confirms Man City have reached agreement with 25-year-old England international
