Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid squad list to face Almeria
As Real Madrid look to produce a strong reaction following their midweek slump against Girona, another newly-promoted La Liga side, UD Almeria, awaits them.
The Merengues play hosts to last season’s La Liga 2 champions at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening. And ahead of the match, manager Carlo Ancelotti has released the squad list that will be available at his disposal.
As confirmed in the lead-up to the game, Luka Modric has been ruled out of the game with a hamstring injury and could miss the Copa del Rey final as well.
Apart from Modric, Real Madrid will also be without the services of defenders David Alaba and Ferland Mendy for the contest.
But there is some good news as captain and ace goalscorer Karim Benzema is back in the squad after missing the Girona clash with a knock.
Along with Benzema, Eden Hazard, who also missed the last game with injury, and Dani Ceballos, who was suspended, are also back on the roster to face Almeria.
Thibaut Courtois missed the Girona clash due to gastroenteritis, but has been named on the squad, hinting that he has recovered from his issue. Youngsters Sergio Arribas and Mario Martin, who were in the squad for the trip to Catalonia in midweek, have been axed.
📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados para el partido 🆚 @U_D_Almeria!#RealMadridAlmería pic.twitter.com/d9WWShYGFK
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 28, 2023
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
