Oguchi Onyewu has apparently caught the eye of none other than mega-million-spending club Real Madrid, who could land the U.S. defender if its bid for Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa falls through.
That's what Spanish website Mundo Deportivo is claiming in a report released today. The report suggests that Real Madrid would sign Onyewu, at least in part, as part of a plan to make headway in the United States and establish it as one of the most popular clubs in this country.
It is the silly season though, so reports from foreign websites must always be taken with a grain of salt. In general, Spanish newspaper Marca is the top source for Real Madrid news and the paper's website has nothing on any Onyewu interest.
Also, the Deportivo report suggests that Onyewu would be an alternative to Arbeloa, a fullback by trade (though someone who can play centerback badly if needed). The story also suggest that Onyewu can play as a central defender and as a fullback. Listen folks, Onyewu is a beast in the air and a solid centerback, but he would get torched like a fried turkey if he played right back in La Liga.
Could Real Madrid use Onyewu? Absolutely. To date, the club has only added Raul Albiol to a defense that lost Fabio Cannavaro and came into the summer needing reinforcements. Onyewu would provide a solid option, though there are some questions about whether Onyewu's distribution out of the back would be good enough for a team that plays like Real Madrid. Also, the idea that Real Madrid would want an American player to make inroads in the United States makes perfect sense.
Real Madrid joins Fiorentina, Palermo and Ajax as the four teams most recently mentioned as contenders for Onyewu's services, with Fenerbahce appearing to have faded from the picture.
What do you think of Onyewu possibly going to Real Madrid? Love the idea? Worry about his playing time in a World Cup year? Would you rather see him in Italy?
Share your thoughts below.