Real Madrid are among the clubs competing to sign Armoni Brooks after ASVEL Villeurbanne were forced to reconsider their agreement with the American three-point specialist because of a severe financial crisis.
Brooks, 28, had signed a two-year contract with the French club worth more than €2m per season. However, ASVEL’s worsening financial situation has put the deal in jeopardy, with the player now expected to leave before making a significant contribution to his new side.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Brooks is close to becoming the next departure from the French club. The 1.94m guard joined ASVEL after a difficult campaign for the team in the EuroLeague, where they recorded only eight victories and suffered 30 defeats.
That disappointing season has led ASVEL to make major changes to their squad. The financial problems affecting the club have also left Brooks available, and the player from Waco, Texas, is understood to have several attractive offers.
Partizan Belgrade have reportedly withdrawn from the race, according to Serbian media. The competition for Brooks is now believed to be between Real Madrid, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and Spanish club Valencia Basket.
Real Madrid are assessing the possibility of bringing the American to the Spanish capital as part of a major rebuilding project. The club endured their first trophyless season in 15 years and still need to strengthen their squad in several positions before the 2026-27 campaign.
The Spanish side have so far added Jaime Pradilla, Mikael Jantunen and Timothy Luwawu-Cabarrot. They have also retained Facundo Campazzo, Andres Feliz, Sergio Llull, Theo Maledon, Alberto Abalde, Gabriel Procida, Gabriel Deck, Chuma Okeke, Ousmane Garuba, who is injured, and Eddie Tavares.
Brooks has returned strongly to Real Madrid’s list of potential targets because his profile matches what the club are seeking. He offers experience of European basketball, an attacking presence on the wing and the ability to influence games from beyond the three-point line.
The uncertainty surrounding his agreement with ASVEL has therefore reopened the possibility of a move to Madrid. Real Madrid’s interest comes as the club reshapes its roster following a season without silverware, while ASVEL’s financial difficulties threaten to end Brooks’ association with the French team before it has properly begun.
For now, the race remains open, with Real Madrid, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and Valencia Basket still competing for a player whose shooting ability and European experience have made him one of the most sought-after names available in the transfer market.
