Real Madrid News
Manchester City defensive heavyweight wants to join Real Madrid – report
Over recent weeks, a growing list of players has been linked with Real Madrid as the summer transfer window edges closer.
While there are plans for some major signings, the presidential election scheduled for 7 June has effectively put the brakes on many potential transfer moves.
Despite the lack of major titles in the last two seasons, Real Madrid remain a very attractive destination for players.
Josko Gvardiol wants to sign for Real Madrid
In that context, AS reports that Manchester City defensive heavyweight Josko Gvardiol wants to sign for Real Madrid in the summer.
The Croatian defender’s potential departure from Manchester City has been linked to the uncertainty following Pep Guardiola’s exit from the Etihad Stadium.
Gvardiol has appeared on Real Madrid’s radar before and is back on the agenda again, with incoming manager Jose Mourinho intent on reinforcing the centre-back department.
But the main obstacle remains his valuation. Manchester City paid €80 million for him when signing him from RB Leipzig, and while he only has two years left on his contract, any deal would still require a significant investment.
However, what could work in Real Madrid’s favour is the Croatian international’s desire to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Gvardiol can be a good purchase
A top defender with proven pedigree at the highest level and entering the prime of his career, Gvardiol can be a solid addition at Real Madrid.
The Croatian would add a left-footed presence in the centre-back department for Los Blancos while he can also cover at left-back when needed.
The player’s willingness to make the switch means the transfer could happen, although negotiations with Manchester City will not be easy.
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.
