Real Madrid News
€130 million Real Madrid star set to play his first El Clasico three years after signing
Playing in El Clasico is one of the biggest dreams of any player who signs for Barcelona or Real Madrid. Despite losing its glamour in recent years, the clash between the two Spanish giants continues to be one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.
According to reports from MARCA, Eden Hazard is set to play his first Clasico on Saturday. The Belgian international could even start on the night given that Karim Benzema is not a match fit yet.
Hazard suffered a muscle overload scare in training yesterday, buts tests have revealed that it is nothing serious. His setback will not stop him from participating against Xavi’s side in Las Vegas.
It has been more than three years since Hazard signed for Real Madrid from Chelsea. After his arrival, he was injured for the first four Clasicos. He did not participate in the two games last season either as Ancelotti decided against using the Belgian.
Last season, he played only 18 games for Los Blancos and recorded just one assist in that duration.
This time around, Hazard has come back to training more determined than ever. He promised fans to recover his best form this season and seems to be serious about his words.
“Real Madrid fans, I’ve been here for three years with so many injuries, with so many things. But next year I’m going to give my all for you,” he said.
Ancelotti has tried using the forward as a false nine in recent training sessions but it remains to be seen if the Belgian starts in that role against Barcelona.
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
