Michael Essien playing key role as Real Madrid eye â?¬30m Caleb Yirenkyi

Real Madrid have reached out to former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien to gather references on Black Stars star Caleb Yirenkyi, as the Spanish giants consider a move for the 20-year-old FC Nordsjælland midfielder.

According to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, the royal club is looking into a potential summer signing of the Ghanaian international, who is currently preparing to represent Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Real Madrid are reportedly in contact with Essien, who played for the club in 2013 and was also a key player under José Mourinho at Chelsea. The Portuguese manager is widely expected to take over as Real Madrid's next head coach, adding further intrigue to the potential transfer.

FC Nordsjælland have placed a historic price tag of €30 million (225 million Danish kroner) on Yirenkyi, a fee that would shatter the Superliga's transfer record.

The club has already rejected a €18 million bid from a Premier League club during the winter window and turned down offers above €20 million from FC Porto, insisting they would not listen to offers below €30 million.

Yirenkyi, who scored his debut goal for Ghana in the recent friendly against Wales, has been described by FC Nordsjælland football director Alexander Riget as ready to move directly to a top-five league and even higher.

"He is ready, we think, to move directly to a top five league and also a bit higher," Riget said. A bit further up there is Real Madrid. There is no bigger one.

The Ghanaian midfielder is represented by the agency CAA Stellar, the same agency that represents Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, whom Real Madrid are also close to signing. This connection makes a potential deal for Yirenkyi even more plausible as the Spanish giants revamp their squad.

With the World Cup set to showcase his talents on the biggest stage, Yirenkyi's price could rise even further. For now, Real Madrid are doing their homework, and Michael Essien is helping them get answers.

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