Real Madrid News
Official: FIFA Club World Cup to be played from February 1 to 11 in Morocco
Speaking at the press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup final, the governing body’s president, Gianni Infantino, has confirmed the dates and location for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The tournament that sees winners of continental tournaments across the six FIFA confederations and a representative from the host country, is usually held in December but has been delayed for a second season in a row.
Real Madrid are involved in the tournament by virtue of their UEFA Champions League triumph last season. But there had not been any clear updates regarding the dates and venue for the tournament, although it had been reported that the event could be held in the UAE.
But it has now been officially confirmed that the FIFA Club World Cup will be held in Morocco from February 1 to 11.
So far Real Madrid have confirmed as participants in the tournament along with Brazilian giants Flamengo, who won the Copa Libertadores, while Seattle Sounders (CONCACAF), Auckland City (Oceania) and Wydad Casablanca (Africa) have also qualified.
Two other participants are yet to be confirmed, one of whom will be the winners of the Asian Champions League.
Infantini also confirmed plans to hold a 32-team FIFA Club World Cup starting from 2025.
The last time the FIFA Club World Cup was held in Morocco, Real Madrid had come out on top in the tournament. And Carlo Ancelotti & co. will be hoping to repeat that feat again in February next year.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
