Real Madrid News
Liverpool ‘serious’ about beating Real Madrid in race for €60 million Brazilian whizkid
In the summer of 2022, Real Madrid pipped Liverpool to the signing of Aurelien Tchouameni.
While Jurgen Klopp was rumoured to have engaged in private conversations with the 22-year-old, his sights were always set on joining the European champions. It seems as if the two clubs are set to go head-to-head in the race to sign yet another highly-rated midfielder.
As reported by SPORT (h/t Liverpool Echo), the Reds are ‘extremely serious’ about signing Joao Gomes, and could pip Real Madrid to fork out a €60 million fee towards his release clause.
However, it is interesting to note that Carlo Ancelotti’s side have considered the possibility of finalising a deal for the Brazilian as soon as in the January transfer window.
A factor behind the club’s willingness to complete a deal for the Flamengo star is because they eye him as the rightful heir to Casemiro’s throne, who joined Manchester United this summer.
It has been mentioned that Los Blancos would rather not trigger the 21-year-old’s clause, while Liverpool could do so to right their wrongs after facing defeat in their bid to sign Tchouameni.
While it was possible for both clubs to sign Gomes at a snip in the summer, the wonderkid was tied down to a long-term contract till 2027 as recently as in September.
With Liverpool’s failure to wrap up a deal for both Gomes and Tchouameni in the summer, their midfield has suffered due to a lack of much-needed investment.
The same cannot be said for Real Madrid, as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are virtually ageless, whilst Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni look primed to carry the baton for the next decade.
Only time will tell how willing the club is to sign Joao Gomes, with Jude Bellingham also seemingly on their radar.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
