Real Madrid News
Benfica coach addresses future of star defender amid Real Madrid links – “First there has to be an offer”
Real Madrid have already roped in three big signings so far this summer, but more are yet to come as the team looks to further strengthen their ranks going into the new season.
Many believe Alvaro Carreras could become Real Madrid’s fourth signing of the summer, with the club expected to resume pursuit after the FIFA Club World Cup.
Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Carreras for quite some time now, but an agreement could not be reached with Benfica.
The Spaniard is currently representing Benfica in the FIFA Club World Cup – a situation the club wanted to avoid.
Bruno Lage on Carreras’ future
Nevertheless, in a recent press conference, Bruno Lage was asked about Carreras’ future amid speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.
“First, there has to be a proposal that Benfica can agree on. Regardless of the player, an agreement is needed,” he replied (h/t O Jogo).
Bruno Lage’s stern statement suggests Real Madrid have yet to find a common ground with Benfica surrounding the purchase of Carreras.
The Benfica coach went on to point out how past players for the club have found success when leaving Lisbon.
“Then, I can see any Benfica player, as long as they have the performance of Álvaro, playing for any team in the world. Álvaro won’t be the first player to leave Benfica and make a name for himself at any European club,” he said.
It seems Lage’s follow-up was aimed to neutralise the tone of his first statement, reminding everyone that Carreras may still leave Benfica this summer.
“I can generalise and, in the last 10/15 years, any player who has left Benfica, whether Portuguese or foreign, has had the ability to make a name for himself at different clubs,” he concluded.
Real Madrid, for their part, remain confident that they can strike a deal once the FIFA Club World Cup is concluded.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
