Real Madrid risk losing €20m-rated midfield target with Juventus entering the race

Real Madrid’s scouting department has been busy this season, and one name that refuses to leave their radar is Rodrigo Mendoza, the young midfielder currently making waves at Elche.

What began as quiet admiration from the Spanish giants has now turned into a serious long-term assessment, especially with new competition emerging from Italy.

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As such, according to Mundo Deportivo, Juventus have stepped forward with growing interest, turning this into a transfer battle that could intensify over the coming months.

Mendoza, only 20 years old, has quickly become one of the most talked-about young midfielders in Spanish football.

Last year, Real Madrid wanted him for the Castilla project, hoping to polish him slowly while giving him competitive minutes in the academy structure. But the situation has changed dramatically in a short span.

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No longer an academy player

His development at Elche has accelerated far quicker than most expected, transforming him from a promising Castilla-level target into a player considered ready for a first-team future at the highest level.

His growth has not gone unnoticed outside Spain either. Clubs across Europe have been following him with increasing interest.

Manchester City, for that matter, have monitored him for months, while Como attempted to sign him during the last transfer window and have not abandoned the idea.

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Juventus have entered the race for Rodrigo Mendoza. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Despite these approaches, Mendoza decided it was best to continue his progression at Elche, where he has played consistently and taken on more responsibility within the team.

After all this, Elche moved to protect their rising star, renewing his contract in August until 2028 and inserting a €20 million release clause.

For a player born in 2005 with clear top-level potential, the clause now looks extremely accessible for Europe’s biggest clubs.

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Juventus ready to rival Real Madrid

Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus view Mendoza as the type of midfielder who could fit perfectly into their long-term plan.

In fact, Coach Luciano Spalletti is believed to be pushing for a creative profile capable of dictating rhythm.

Real Madrid, for their part, are not panicking. The club are fully aware that this transfer story will develop slowly, mainly because Los Blancos are evaluating midfield options for the future rather than looking for an immediate signing.

The belief is that players who show maturity at a young age are worth tracking carefully, especially those who combine intelligence with versatility.

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