Real Madrid News
Liverpool, Real Madrid deny contact over €93 million deadline day move for midfielder
During the final week of the transfer window, Real Madrid were reportedly running the risk of losing Federico Valverde. The star midfielder was courted by Premier League giants Liverpool, who had become desperate to sign a midfielder late in the market.
There were even suggestions of Liverpool making a record transfer bid of around £80 million (€93 million) to Real Madrid for the services of Valverde on deadline day.
However, according to 90 Min, sources from both the clubs have played down such suggestions. Liverpool had made no official attempts to sign Valverde on deadline day, though they remain very much interested in the player.
The Uruguayan international is indeed one of the players being closely followed by the Liverpool hierarchy as the midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence in recent years.
Having featured in 155 competitive matches for Los Blancos, Valverde is regarded as the future of the Real Madrid midfield, especially with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric currently in the final phase of their respective careers.
Although there is significant competition within the midfield ranks at Madrid, many expect Valverde to become the face of the club’s second line of press in the years to come.
His importance in the team has been evident in the current season as well, with the player notably starring in the recent win over Mallorca, scoring a wonderful goal in the first half.
The report from 90 Min suggests Liverpool had only made last-minute contacts with intermediaries, exploring the possibility of a move, with there being no direct contact between the two clubs.
While the Reds may try to get their hands on Valverde in the future, Real Madrid are confident of keeping hold of the 24-year-old.
The midfielder, after all, still has five years remaining on his current deal at Santiago Bernabeu. The value of his release clause also stands at a whopping €1 billion, meaning interested parties such as Liverpool may have to splash a fortune if they are to attain his services anytime soon.
Real Madrid News
Ancelotti hails Real Madrid attacker after Sevilla win: “He has significant qualities”
Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Sevilla yesterday, in what was the club’s final away game of the season.
Rodrygo was the star performer of the game, racking up two goals and being handed the Man of the Match title. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on the Brazilian after the game, stating, “Rodrygo did well in the centre-forward role and he can also play there. He has different attributes.”
“If you can dribble through the middle you have a better chance of scoring than if you dribble out wide. Because of his quality, it’s easier for him to find opportunities in this area. He doesn’t have the physicality for aerial clashes, but he has significant qualities,” he added.
Rodrygo, though, was a bit annoyed with Ancelotti over his substitution as he ‘wanted to score another goal’. In response, Ancelotti said, “Rodrygo wanted to stay on the pitch to go for a hat trick, but I told him that we had different objectives. He wanted to score, but I didn’t want to concede a goal. We finished with four centre-backs and managed the game well.”
Ancelotti went on to laud the atmosphere at the Sanchez Pizjuan, especially as there were no insults hurled at any of the Real Madrid players. “The atmosphere in the stadium was great despite some whistling towards Ceballos. I didn’t hear any insults and so we’re on the right track. The fans should be congratulated,” he said.
“People have started to understand what to do in the stadium and what not to do. We have to continue in this vein,” he added.
The Real Madrid manager also talked about Alvaro Rodriguez, pointing out how the youngster has room to improve.
“He’s a really young player and he’s got talent. He’s had a slump in the last period. When he’s played with Castilla he hasn’t always been at his best. Today we needed him and we’ll bear him in mind for the future. He’s young and has room for improvement,” he said.
Ancelotti talked about the future of Marco Asensio as well, with the playmaker reportedly set to leave Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.
“On the subject of Asensio, I don’t know what the situation is, just as I don’t know about Nacho. Before the last game, everything will be cleared up. On a personal level, I’m sad to see them go because they are very important. We’ll prepare for next season depending on the decisions they make,” he said.
The Italian manager also offered an update on the availability of Vinicius, adding, “As far as Vinicius is concerned, he has two days to rest and we’ll see if he can play the last game.”
Finally, Ancelotti confirmed he will be supporting Roma in the UEFA Europa League final. He also revealed how he had a conflict of interest with Sevilla manager Jose Luis Mendilibar.
“I wished Mendilibar all the best for the Europa League final. I’ve had a conflict of interests because I was captain of Roma in the 70s. On Monday we’ll be celebrating the league forty years later. I’m a bit of a Roma fan, but I want the best team to win. Mourinho is truly a great friend of mine and my heart has a closer connection with Roma than it does with Sevilla,” he said.
