Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid have identified Nigerian defender Honest Ahanor as a potential target for the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ahanor is currently one of the top rising stars in world football, having developed in leaps and bounds over the past year.
The 18-year-old completed a transfer from Genoa to fellow Serie A side Atalanta last summer in a deal worth €17 million.
The fact that such a significant fee was paid for a player who was only 17 at the time is a testament to Ahanor’s immense potential.
This season, he has been gradually integrated into the Atalanta system, featuring in 28 games—many of them as a substitute.
His performances have attracted interest from several elite clubs, including Chelsea and Bayern Munich. Both teams are reportedly seeking defensive reinforcements and are impressed by his profile.
Real Madrid Join the Race
Chelsea and Bayern Munich are not the only clubs keeping tabs on the youngster; Real Madrid have also entered the fray.
According to Sports Mole, Los Blancos are looking to secure his signature this summer as they seek to refresh a backline that has occasionally lacked solidity. The club believes the former Genoa man could be a long-term solution for their defense.
Ahanor is technically gifted, quick, and plays with the trademark grit associated with defenders trained in the Italian system.
Is Honest Ahanor Nigerian?
Honest Ahanor was born to Nigerian parents in Italy. While he recently chose to represent Italy at the youth level, he remains a Nigerian citizen as Italy allows for dual citizenship.
Also, because he has not yet played for the Italian senior team, he remains eligible to play for the Super Eagles.
Given his quality, Ahanor could become a key player for the Nigerian national team if he decides to make the switch. His inclusion in the squad would likely secure the future of the Super Eagles' central defense for at least the next decade.
