Real Madrid News
La Liga chief shows support to Barcelona in response to letter asking punishment for Florentino Perez
Barcelona’s institutional response to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has received its first official answer.
According to SPORT, Javier Tebas has replied in writing to the letter sent by Barcelona acting president Rafael Yuste, in which the Catalans called on La Liga, the RFEF and the CTA to react to comments made by the Real Madrid president regarding the Negreira case.
Tebas’ response represents significant support for Barcelona’s position.
Although he stops short of announcing any specific measures, the La Liga chief makes it clear that he shares the club’s concerns over Perez’s remarks.
He believes they could cast doubt on the integrity of the competition, the work of referees and the image of Spanish football as a whole.
La Liga recalls previous action against Real Madrid
In the document seen by SPORT, Tebas points out that La Liga has not remained passive in recent years regarding certain actions and communications from Real Madrid relating to referees.
He highlighted several complaints and initiatives launched by the league against official statements and messages that it considered excessive or potentially damaging to the atmosphere surrounding the competition.
Among the examples cited are complaints filed with football authorities over content published by Real Madrid TV and criticism directed at individual referees. Tebas also noted that some of those cases remain active through various legal channels.
Barcelona’s complaint
The response comes two days after Barcelona formally demanded action from Spanish football authorities over statements made by Perez.
The Catalan club argued that the Real Madrid president’s comments undermined the image of La Liga and placed the entire refereeing system under suspicion, particularly regarding championships won by Barcelona which he described as “stolen”.
One of the key points in Tebas’ letter is the distinction he draws between the judicial investigation into the Negreira case and broader assessments of Spanish football.
He stresses that La Liga remains involved in the legal proceedings involving the scandal in an effort to clarify the facts, but insists that the case should not be used to question titles, results or the legitimacy of current competitions.
Tebas also states that La Liga will examine the statements reported by Barcelona and assess whether any action should be taken within the organisation’s powers.
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.
