Real Madrid News
Breakout World Cup star told to choose Real Madrid over Man United by teammate
Cody Gakpo has emerged as one of the breakout stars at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, scoring three goals in four matches to help the Netherlands reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
The 23-year-old had been in red-hot form for PSV Eindhoven prior to the World Cup and his continued impressive run has attracted the attention of several top clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid.
Indeed, Los Blancos are reported to have shown interest in Gakpo but are set to face fierce competition from Manchester United. The Red Devils have had their eyes on the Dutch ace since the summer and are believed to be in contact with his agents.
However, Gakpo’s Netherlands teammate and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has urged the young forward to snub Manchester United in case Real Madrid come calling for him, as he is ready for the ‘next level’.
“Are Manchester United and Real Madrid on the same level? No disrespect, not at all. I definitely think he has that next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen, whether that is in the winter or the summer or next year, time will tell,” van Dijk said (h/t Evening Standard).
“He is a great boy who works hard, very talented and definitely there is more in him. We are so pleased he is doing so well for us. Long may it continue,” the Liverpool defender further added.
Prior to the World Cup, Gakpo had plundered 13 goals and 17 assists from 24 matches across all competitions for PSV. Given the form he has displayed, it seems only a matter of time before a move to a big club materialises.
Only time will tell whether he joins Manchester United or if Real Madrid make a move to sign Gakpo.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
