Luka Jovic: Real Madrid confirm signing of Frankfurt striker

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Serbian striker Luka Jovic from Eintracht Frankfurt on a six-year-deal.

The 21-year-old emerged as one of Europe’s hottest young strikers for his role in Frankfurt’s impressive season and was believed to be a target for Premier League club Chelsea.

Luka Jovic joins Real Madrid: Five key things to know…

1. Jovic enjoyed a wonderful debut season at Eintracht Frankfurt, helping them reach the Europa League semi-finals.
2. The Serbian only joined the club last summer from Benfica, initially on loan, before the move was made permanent in April.
3. Jovic has shown his ambipedal nature, scoring 15 right-footed goals and eight with his left foot – in addition to four headers.
4. And his performances have earned him a move to Real Madrid on a six-year deal.
5. Los Blancos have had a season to forget and look set to spend big money this summer to refresh their squad.

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But Real Madrid have won the race for Jovic, signing the Serbian on a six-year contract which will come into play at the end of June, subject to him passing a medical at the Bernabeu.

Jovic only signed for Frankfurt last summer in what was initially a loan move from Benfica, with an option to buy. And his performances for the Eagles, scoring 27 goals in 48 games across all competitions – including 10 in the Europa League en route to the semi-finals – led to the German club exercising that option.

But his time in Frankfurt is now up after the both clubs confirmed the signing on Tuesday, for an undisclosed fee.

Jovic will join Eder Militao and Rodrygo Goes at the Santiago Bernabeu for next season and Real’s business is not expected to be done there, with the club still chasing Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

In a statement released on Eintracht Frankfurt’s website, club sporting director Fredi Bobic described Jovic’s move as an “important transfer” for the Eagles.

“Form a sporting point of view, Luka Jovic is a big loss for us,” he said. “His explosiveness and scoring skills have spread throughout Europe and we’ve benefited over the past two years, not only from his goals.

“But it was clear that there was a limit to what kind of bid we could refuse.

“For Eintracht Frankfurt this is a good and important transfer. We wish Luka only the best for his future. He has the best conditions for a great career.

“And we are proud that we were able to support him along the way.”

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Where will Jovic fit in at Real Madrid?

Despite Real Madrid’s obvious problems this season, one player who has been able to hold his head high through most of the campaign has been striker Karim Benzema.

The Frenchman has scored 30 goals in 52 games across all competitions this season, including 21 in La Liga, 18 more than his total for last year.

While in the past Benzema, now 31, has had to deal with competition from Cristiano Ronaldo for the starring role, this season the Frenchman is alone at the top for Real Madrid.

But Jovic’s arrival brings fresh competition for Benzema and a long-term replacement, given the 10-year age difference in the Serbian’s favour.

Luka Jović's first 25 career Bundesliga goals broken down by body part:

• 10 right-footed
• 10 left-footed
• 5 headers

The complete Goal Machine. pic.twitter.com/o73taZ2dRc

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 15, 2019

It could also see a return for Real Madrid to a two-man strike force with Jovic alongside Benzema, a formation often used by Zinedine Zidane to previously accommodate Ronaldo.

Adding in the potential arrival of Hazard, Real Madrid could soon boast an enviable level of firepower and line up with a potent front four including the Belgian, Benzema, Jovic and Vinicius Jr.

This would also allow the two wingers to get used to Jovic’s style of play ready for when Benzema ultimately hangs up his boots, without totally discarding the Frenchman from the outset.