‘AC Milan loan links make me laugh’ – Luka Jovic two months after £62m Real Madrid transfer
Luka Jovic has dismissed suggestions he could leave Real Madrid on loan just two months after sealing a £62m move to the Bernabeu.
The striker joined Madrid from Eintracht Frankfurt in June but is already being linked with a loan move to AC Milan amid rumours Zinedine Zidane has been unimpressed so far.
Who says Jovic could leave Real Madrid? Five key things to know…
- Jovic spent the last two seasons on loan at Frankfurt before making a permanent move.
- His 25 goals across all competitions last season convinced Real Madrid to buy him.
- Amid early suggestions Zidane is not convinced by Jovic, the £62m signing started Real’s league opener as a substitute.
- AC Milan were linked with a loan move by Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport.
- But the striker has dismissed speculation and insists he is “very happy” at Real.
Jovic enjoyed a breakout season in 2018/19 as Frankfurt reached the Europa League semi-finals and finished seventh in the Bundesliga. Key to the team’s success was an interchanging attack comprising Jovic, Sebastien Haller and Ante Rebić. Haller, like Jovic, completed an expensive transfer away from Frankfurt, joining West Ham for £45m.
Having made his departure much earlier in the summer, Jovic came on as an 81st-minute substitute as Real got their La Liga campaign off to a winning start against Celta Vigo.
The Serbian dismissed suggestions Zidane feels he is not ready to be a Madrid player while speaking to press from his home nation.
“[Zidane] believes in me and his opinion hasn’t changed during our time working together,” Jovic told Novosti.
“I’m learning from him day by day and I’m very happy with him because he’s, both as a player and a coach, one of the best in world football.
“I’m ready to do my best and give everything I can. I don’t expect to play every game right away, but I’ll reach my objectives through hard work and dedication.
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“Stories like those of me leaving make me laugh. The media will always put out such stories.
“I’ve been used to all kinds of rumours since the beginning of my professional career. I’ve accepted their existence. Only time will tell what’s true.”
Zidane’s men ran out 3-1 winners in Vigo thanks to goals from Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Lucas Vazquez, while Luka Modric was sent off.
Jovic may be relying on Benzema suffering a dip in form to get game time this term, while Zidane’s U-turn on Gareth Bale – the Welshman started on Saturday – could make it even more difficult for Jovic to get in the team.
At just 21, thankfully Jovic still has plenty of time to improve and show Zidane he is worthy of a starting spot in the future.
