Real Madrid News
18-year-old Barcelona target will not join Real Madrid this summer – report
Real Madrid appear to be bracing for two more exits imminently, having already bid goodbye to four stars this summer.
Indeed, Jesus Vallejo is on his way to Granada on loan, with a move likely to be completed as early as today. And, Alvaro Odriozola’s departure is also understood to be in progress, with the right-back assessing his options before making a final decision.
With two defenders set to depart soon, it has raised questions whether Real Madrid might dip in the market for a new defender, particularly a right-back especially given that Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez are in their thirties.
Ivan Fresneda is a player that has been linked with Real Madrid as a potential reinforcement at right-back.
Indeed, the Real Valladolid youngster, who is also a target for Los Blancos’ arch-rivals FC Barcelona, has been on the radars of the club, with an approach even being made to his agents.
However, as per a fresh update from journalist Alberto Pereiro, Fresneda will not be coming to Real Madrid in the current transfer window.
The 18-year-old right-back enjoyed a solid season with Valladolid in 2022/23 and made a distinct impression, even though his club ended up getting relegated.
Impressed by his displays, Real Madrid and Barcelona are among several top clubs to have taken an interest in the teenager, who is understood to have a €20 million release clause in his contract.
It must be noted that Fresneda spent four years within the Real Madrid youth setup between 2014 and 2018 before departing for Leganes. Two years later he ended up at Valladolid.
However, as things stand, the former Real Madrid academy trainee will not be returning to the Spanish capital this summer. As a matter of fact, there are unlikely to be any more signings at the Santiago Bernabeu in the current window, barring Kylian Mbappe if he agrees to leave PSG.
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
