Real Madrid News
Mbappe or Haaland: Florentino Perez wants to sign a superstar for Real Madrid in 2024
As Real Madrid brace for an impact caused by Karim Benzema’s sudden desire to leave, a report from Toni Juanmarti (h/t Madrid Xtra) has emerged that Florentino Perez’s plans still have not changed regarding a superstar signing in 2024.
The club president is certain to rope in either Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland. What is certain is that the dream will not stop at any cost for Los Blancos albeit everything will be made possible in 2024
A lot has been said about Karim Benzema’s future at Santiago Bernabeu and although the player has somewhat rebuffed the exit claims, it is highly anticipated that he would leave at the end of the season, with the Middle East being the most likely destination.
With Benzema’s future unknown considering multiple contradicting reports, it is believed that Espanyol striker Joselu is almost on his way to Madrid. The 33-year-old is close to joining Madrid on a season-long loan.
However, if Benzema ends up leaving, the team will need an experienced number 9 who can lead the attack for the whole of the next season. As of today, there are not many market opportunities that excite Madrid.
They do have a few names in consideration, namely, Harry Kane, Roberto Firmino, Dusan Vlahovic, Richarlison, Goncalo Ramos, and Kai Havertz among others, but none of these players will settle for a secondary role once Madrid announce a big signing in the summer of 2024.
And this is why the options are limited. Madrid do want to sign a franchise player, but a move for either Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland will be made in the summer of 2024 and not this year.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
