Real Madrid News
Ancelotti still counts on Real Madrid defender amidst Saudi Arabia interest – reports
Fran Garcia will be Real Madrid’s starting left-back next season. The pre-season will be crucial in confirming his place on the roster, but it appears prima facie that the player has enough in his boots to lock in his name.
The one who stands to lose the most from this development is Ferland Mendy. The Frenchman’s future at the Bernabeu is crumbling as reports state that the club are looking to part ways with him at the earliest.
Amidst this, manager Carlo Ancelotti appears his best chance of staying at Real Madrid.
According to reports from AS, the Real Madrid manager maintains Mendy in his plans for next season. However, he sees the French international as a backup option to Garcia.
The coach suffered for most of the 2022-23 campaign, for Mendy’s regular injuries forced him to deploy Eduardo Camavinga at left-back. Heading into the new season, he wishes to ensure that such a situation does not recur and thus hopes to keep Mendy’s services.
Real Madrid do not see things the same way. The Spanish giants believe that a big offer from Saudi Arabia is incoming for the 28-year-old and will not hesitate to cut ties with him if a tempting proposal arrives.
At the moment, there is no plan to bring in a replacement if Mendy leaves despite Ancelotti’s request. In such a situation, the Italian would be left juggling with limited options not only in the forward department but also at left-back.
The coming days will be critical in deciding Mendy’s future and Real Madrid’s fate in defence for the upcoming season.
Real Madrid News
English legend backs Real Madrid star to become one of the all-time greats: ‘He’s got everything’
Jude Bellingham has spent the past fortnight as the most talked-about footballer in England, and the superlatives show no sign of slowing down.
A masterclass in the Nations League, a clutch of records and a second straight Player of the Year award has not gone unnoticed in English footballing media.
Now one of the English game’s most respected voices has added his name to the growing list of believers.
Lineker backs Bellingham
Asked whether Bellingham can go on to become one of the greatest players of all time, England legend Gary Lineker left no room for doubt.
“Yes, I’ve been saying it for a long time now. If he avoids serious injury or falls of the rails which he won’t I’m sure.
“He’s so good at football, he’s got everything. He’s a superstar and carries himself like a superstar,” he said (h/t Track Radio).
The verdict chimes comes in the midst of a wider chorus of acclaim in recent days. Roy Keane tipped him to become one of the greatest of all time after the Croatia rout, with Ian Wright and Micah Richards among others queuing up to praise him.
Backed by the numbers
The acclaim for Bellingham comes on the back of an extraordinary international break for Bellingham.
Against Croatia, Bellingham scored one and created three in the 7-0 win, becoming the first England player to record four goal involvements in a single game since David Platt in 1993.
He finished the window with one goal and four assists and was named UEFA’s Player of the Round.
That international excellence has carried over to the Bernabeu, where he has settled into a free number 10 role under Jose Mourinho and sits as the club’s joint-leading creator.
Bellingham was part of Real Madrid’s recent 1-0 win over Villarreal as well, and was unlucky not to register an assist when Vinicius Jr.’s goal was disallowed.
The Englishman will be looking to make an impact once again when Real Madrid take on AS Roma this Wednesday.
