Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano defender admits Real Madrid match is ‘special’ ahead of summer move
Real Madrid take on Rayo Vallecano in their penultimate home game of the season later today. Not much rides on the result for Los Blancos, but one would expect the men in white to go all out for a win after losing their last two games.
One of the special storylines of Wednesday’s game, however, is the prospect of Fran Garcia facing Real Madrid. The young full-back has already signed a deal with his former club for next season, and there is excitement ahead of his arrival at Santiago Bernabeu later today.
The 23-year-old spoke to MARCA in the buildup to the midweek fixture and was asked about his feelings ahead of facing his new club.
“The match against Real Madrid is special for me? I know the feeling I’ve always had for Real Madrid and that doesn’t change. Of course, it’s a special match,” he remarked, giving nothing away about the emotions running about in his mind.
Throughout his spell at Rayo Vallecano, Garcia has been very professional with complete dedication towards the crest. He has played a part in 35 La Liga games for Andoni Iraola’s side this season, scoring two goals and providing three assists in that duration.
The Spaniard is expected to arrive in Madrid early in July and will complete the preseason under Carlo Ancelotti. Given Ferland Mendy’s struggle for form and fitness this season, Garcia could well be Real Madrid’s first-choice left-back for the 2023-24 campaign.
Los Blancos’ pursuit of Alphonso Davies is presumably the only factor that could stop him from a regular starting spot next season. Given the club’s prioritisation of Jude Bellingham and a centre-forward, however, the Canadian international’s transfer does not appear close to materialising.
Real Madrid News
Harry Kane ‘very close’ to completing Real Madrid move, only final details remain – report
Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid was finally closed earlier today as officially confirmed by Borussia Dortmund on their website. Yet, the offices at Santiago Bernabeu have not even taken a break to celebrate their success.
According to reports from Alfredo Pedullà, Los Blancos are now completely focused on the acquisition of Harry Kane. The English striker’s arrival is very close to approaching closure and only a few details remain to be sorted.
The Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur representatives reportedly held a meeting today over the striker’s transfer. The agenda was to agree on a number for the transfer fee.
The Premier League side began the proceedings with an expectation of €100 to €110 million in exchange for Kane. However, the Merengues suggested a lower point at €80 to €90 million, albeit with the option to include bonuses.
There is not much separating the two parties at the moment, and the minor gap will be bridged in the coming days. Overall, the meeting ended with a broad understanding between the two clubs.
Carlo Ancelotti sees the English striker as the centre-piece of his attack for next season given the recent departure of Karim Benzema. After all, Kane has been one of football’s most consistent goalscorers over the past decade.
Yet, Los Blancos cannot afford to let their guard down with one signing and will need to rope in at least two more names in attack to serve as backup options. The exits of Mariano Diaz, Marco Asensio, and Eden Hazard leave them with no squad depth, after all.
Kane has scored 30, 17, and 23 goals in his last three seasons in the Premier League and is the epitome of consistency. Further, he had three assists in his most recent league season and created 14 big chances.
