Real Madrid News
Out-of-favour Real Madrid defender not ready to leave club – report
A team is only as good as its players play, and that statement becomes all-the-more important when one considers a hectic schedule for club and country as is the situation this time around. Needless to say, the general rule applies not only to the main players but also to the ones on the bench.
When one talks of the players’ commitment to the badge, Real Madrid comes second to none. Mundo Deportivo brings to light news that exemplifies the same.
According to the Spanish outlet, Lucas Vallejo is committed to fighting for his place on Carlo Ancelotti’s side and does not wish to move.
He is not scared of the competition and wants to push for a starting spot. He has been training hard with the Castilla team under Raul Gonzalez every day during the international break hoping to return to his best.
Espanyol are the team most interested in signing Vallejo. The manager, Diego Martinez, knows him well through his spell at Granada and sees him as a good fit into his system.
The centre-back’s contract with Real Madrid runs until June 30 2025, meaning over two and a half years remain on his deal. It is the optimal time for the club to sell the player and earn a few bucks from his sale, however, the final decision rests with Ancelotti.
The 25-year-old has only played in five La Liga games for Los Blancos this season, keeping two clean sheets and averaging over ten defensive actions per game. Yet, it is clear that he is far down in the pecking order and is quite clearly the fifth-choice centre-back.
Although Antonio Rudiger has had success since joining Real Madrid last summer, the club are in need of more depth and players that can form the backbone of the defensive unit in the years to come.
As part of their plans, Real Madrid are prioritising a move for Josko Gvardiol in the coming summer, reports 90 Min.
The outlet suggests Gvardiol will be one of the most wanted prospects in the market, with both Real Madrid and Manchester City eyeing a move for the Croatian international come the end of the season.
Formerly of Dinamo Zagreb, Gvardiol has enjoyed immense success since his move to the Bundesliga in 2021. He has impressed onlookers with his skill, organisation and discipline, which, coupled with his versatility, make him an appealing target for any European giant.
Gvardiol was also one of the top performers at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping Croatia finish third in the competition. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid among the clubs who have been keeping an eye on the defender for a while now.
However, signing Gvardiol will be a tricky task for Los Blancos. The player still has a long-term contract at Leipzig and could cost up to €85 million, as reported by 90 Min. Not to mention, the competition from Man City could be significant.
Real Madrid have no shortage of alternatives, though, with the club notably closely monitoring Portuguese defensive whizkid Antonio Silva, among others. So it will be interesting to see how the Spanish giants approach the market in this coming summer.
