Real Madrid News
Chelsea talisman set to be available for Champions League clash vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid have a lot on the line heading into the final stages of the UEFA Champions League. Five games across three ties stand between Los Blancos and a successful title defence, but the consequences of the results extend far beyond the silverware.
Carlo Ancelotti risks losing his job if the men in white do not win a major trophy this season. With La Liga out of their hand and the Copa del Rey tie standing in a disadvantageous position, the UCL takes more prominence than ever.
The Merengues face off against Chelsea in the quarterfinals of the prestigious event and will play the tie over two legs in April. Ahead of the game, however, there are significant game-changing developments at the London-based side’s camp.
According to reports from AS, N’Golo Kante is expected to be fit for Chelsea’s game against Real Madrid next month after facing close to eight months on the sidelines. The World Cup winner is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world on his day, and his return spells trouble for Ancelotti’s men.
Kante picked up a hamstring injury early into the season when Chelsea played Tottenham in August. He missed six games for the club before returning to training and triggering a relapse, thus sitting out most of his team’s campaign after undergoing surgery.
The French midfielder returned to training only at the beginning of March and his sensations have been positive. After spending over a month recovering match fitness, he could be ready to feature against Real Madrid.
The 31-year-old is yet to return to the field after recovery. However, with three games left before the UCL clash, he will have sufficient time to dust away his rustiness and make an appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu. For the second leg on 18th April, he could well be a starter.
With Graham Potter’s star player ready to pull the strings again, the pressure will be on Real Madrid’s midfield and Ancelotti’s decisions on the night. After all, the game could be won and lost in the midfield.
Real Madrid News
Harry Kane ‘very close’ to completing Real Madrid move, only final details remain – report
Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid was finally closed earlier today as officially confirmed by Borussia Dortmund on their website. Yet, the offices at Santiago Bernabeu have not even taken a break to celebrate their success.
According to reports from Alfredo Pedullà, Los Blancos are now completely focused on the acquisition of Harry Kane. The English striker’s arrival is very close to approaching closure and only a few details remain to be sorted.
The Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur representatives reportedly held a meeting today over the striker’s transfer. The agenda was to agree on a number for the transfer fee.
The Premier League side began the proceedings with an expectation of €100 to €110 million in exchange for Kane. However, the Merengues suggested a lower point at €80 to €90 million, albeit with the option to include bonuses.
There is not much separating the two parties at the moment, and the minor gap will be bridged in the coming days. Overall, the meeting ended with a broad understanding between the two clubs.
Carlo Ancelotti sees the English striker as the centre-piece of his attack for next season given the recent departure of Karim Benzema. After all, Kane has been one of football’s most consistent goalscorers over the past decade.
Yet, Los Blancos cannot afford to let their guard down with one signing and will need to rope in at least two more names in attack to serve as backup options. The exits of Mariano Diaz, Marco Asensio, and Eden Hazard leave them with no squad depth, after all.
Kane has scored 30, 17, and 23 goals in his last three seasons in the Premier League and is the epitome of consistency. Further, he had three assists in his most recent league season and created 14 big chances.
