Transfer Centre

Porto's Mehdi Taremi 'pushing to join Real Madrid in January'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 02 November 2023

Porto forward Mehdi Taremi instructs his representatives to work on a potential move to Real Madrid in January, according to a report.

Porto forward Mehdi Taremi has reportedly instructed his representatives to work on a potential move to Real Madrid during the January transfer window.

The 31-year-old's future was the subject of much speculation over the summer, with Manchester United believed to have considered making a move for him.

Taremi's contract with Porto is due to expire next June, and it appears likely that he will either be on the move in January for a cut-price fee, or on a free transfer at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

The Iran international has again been a regular for his Portuguese club this season, making 13 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering three assists in the process.

According to Fichajes, Taremi is pushing to join Real Madrid at the start of 2024, and the La Liga leaders are said to be considering making an attempt to sign him.

FC Porto's Evanilson celebrates scoring their third goal with FC Porto's Mehdi Taremi on May 27, 2023 © Reuters

The Iranian arrived at Porto from Rio Ave in 2020, and he has represented the Dragons on 160 occasions, scoring 83 goals and registering 52 assists in the process.

Taremi has won six trophies during his time with Porto, including the Primeira Liga in 2021-22, while he has an impressive Champions League record, netting nine times and registering six assists in 22 appearances in the competition.

The Blue and Whites are said to be reluctant to run the risk of losing him on a free transfer, which could lead to a cut-price exit being agreed in January.

Real Madrid signed Joselu on loan from Espanyol over the summer as a response to Karim Benzema ending his time at the club in order to move to Saudi Arabia.

Real Madrid's new signing Joselu during a press conference on June 20, 2023 © Reuters

Joselu has had a productive campaign to date, scoring five times in 13 appearances, but it is unclear whether the 33-year-old is seen as a permanent option for the club.

Jude Bellingham is comfortably the team's leading goalscorer this season with 13 in all competitions, having thrived in a more advanced area.

Vinicius Junior only has three goals this term, though, while Rodrygo has netted just twice, with both players struggling to find their best form at this stage of the campaign.

Real Madrid could therefore be open to signing another forward in January depending on the finances involved.

Brahim Diaz is another attacking option for Los Blancos, but the 24-year-old has found it difficult to secure regular action after returning from a loan spell at AC Milan, and there is already speculation surrounding his future.