Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho delays Real Madrid defender’s exit decision amid interest from Fiorentina and Bologna
Real Madrid transfer news has largely revolved around the club’s promising young talents, and Victor Valdepenas has emerged as the latest academy player attracting strong interest from abroad.
While several Castilla and academy players are expected to move on this summer, the highly-rated defender finds himself in a different situation.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho wants to personally assess Valdepenas during pre-season before deciding whether the defender should remain at the Santiago Bernabeu or leave in search of regular first-team football.
The decision means that, despite growing interest from Italy, Real Madrid are not prepared to make an immediate call on Victor Valdepenas’ future, with Mourinho keen to evaluate one of the club’s most promising defensive prospects.
\Mourinho wants to assess Valdepenas
The 19-year-old defender faces stiff competition for a place in the senior squad, making his immediate pathway to regular first-team football far from straightforward.
Even so, Real Madrid believe the youngster deserves further evaluation before any transfer decision is taken.
Unlike Fran Gonzalez and David Jimenez, who are both expected to leave during the Real Madrid summer transfer window, Valdepenas has not been placed on the list of players expected to depart.
Instead, Mourinho wants to watch the academy graduate closely throughout pre-season.
His performances in training and friendly matches will play a major role in determining whether he becomes part of the first-team plans or is allowed to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Fiorentina leading as Bologna remain in the race
The uncertainty surrounding Victor Valdepenas’ future at Real Madrid has alerted several European clubs, particularly in Serie A.
As reported before, Bologna are among the clubs keeping a close watch on the defender, having identified him as a potential signing for the future.
However, it is Fiorentina who have moved into the strongest position in the race for the Spanish youngster.
Despite leading the chase, the Italian club cannot move forward unless Real Madrid decide to let Victor Valdepenas leave.
Mourinho’s desire to evaluate the defender first has effectively placed any negotiations on hold.
As a result, both Fiorentina and Bologna are expected to wait for Madrid’s final verdict before stepping up their interest in the highly-rated centre-back.
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.
