Real Madrid News
Harry Kane expected to be Karim Benzema’s replacement at Real Madrid
Real Madrid have officially announced the departures of four players over the course of the last 24 hours, starting with Marco Asensio on a free transfer.
Mariano Diaz also left the club, and later at night, Madrid announced that they had reached a mutual agreement to terminate Eden Hazard’s contract. The Belgian let go of €7 million in his salary for next season, too.
However, the bombshell came today morning as Karim Benzema’s departure was announced from the club at the end of the season. The Frenchman, now a free agent, is expected to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer.
This leaves Madrid with just two natural forwards in their squad – Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. And while they were going to go strong in the transfer market, their task now becomes even more difficult.
Jose Luis Sanchez (h/t MadridXtra), meanwhile, has reported on Benzema’s replacement, saying that Harry Kane is the most likely candidate.
The Englishman has a year left on his deal after this summer, but signing him from Tottenham Hotspur would be a monumental task. He is currently the second all-time scorer in the history of the Premier League, and dreams of breaking Alan Shearer’s record.
Not to mention, even if Kane should choose to leave, Madrid will have to deal with Daniel Levy, who is infamously a notorious seller. He has priced his prized asset at around €120 million, and will likely not budge from it.
Madrid are, therefore, also preparing a list of other targets they can pursue while finding a replacement for Benzema as the no. 9.
Roberto Firmino is a free agent, and on Madrid’s radar for the summer, but is not a priority. Espanyol’s Joselu seems be close to joining, too, while the name of Kai Havertz has also come up.
Real Madrid News
Manchester United launch final push to sign Real Madrid outcast; club resists permanent exit
Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Endrick as the Brazilian forward’s future at Real Madrid becomes increasingly uncertain, with a potential January loan move emerging as a solution to his lack of regular playing time.
According to Bernabeu Digital, Manchester United are making a final push to convince the 19-year-old to join them.
However, negotiations could prove complicated because the Premier League club is interested in including a purchase option in the deal, while Real Madrid are not currently planning to give up permanent control of the striker.
Endrick’s limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season have opened the door to a temporary departure, with AC Milan and Tottenham also emerging as potential destinations.
Why Manchester United want Endrick?
Manchester United are looking for greater attacking productivity and believe Endrick could provide a different dimension to their forward line.
The Premier League club has also been linked with the Brazilian in the past, as they assess options to improve their goalscoring output after a poor start to the season.
Notably, his situation at Real Madrid makes a move more plausible, as Endrick has struggled to secure consistent minutes, and the club is considering a loan that would give him the chance to play regularly.
However, United’s preferred terms could become the biggest obstacle.
The English side reportedly wants the option to buy Endrick at the end of the loan, potentially giving them a route to a permanent transfer if he impresses.
Real Madrid reject permanent Endrick exit
Real Madrid’s preference is understood to be a straightforward loan without a purchase option.
The club want Endrick to gain experience elsewhere before returning to compete for a place in the squad, rather than risk losing a young forward they have invested in for the future.
His previous loan spell at Lyon provides a possible model for another temporary move, although any agreement would depend on the terms offered and the player’s own preferences.
Manchester United are prepared to make an attractive financial proposal in an effort to secure his arrival, but money alone may not resolve the disagreement if Real Madrid remain unwilling to include a purchase clause.
