Real Madrid News
Real Madrid among four clubs keen on Croatian international starring at the World Cup
RB Leipzig and Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol has the world at his feet. At just 20 years of age, the towering defender has attracted a lot of attention from top clubs across Europe, among which are Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the aforementioned teams are highly interested in signing the Leipzig defender.
It must be noted that he is only in his second season with Leipzig and has a contract with the German team until 2027. Now, initial rumours suggested that he had a release clause in his deal but Plettenberg mentions that there is no buyout clause in his deal.
Furthermore, while many teams are interested in his acquisition in 2023, the player is not really in a rush to make a decision, quotes his agent Marjan Sisic.
“Regarding a possible transfer in summer 2023 we are not in a hurry and I can make clear that there are no pre-agreements with any clubs,” Marjan was quoted by Plettenberg.
“For sure, a lot of top clubs have informed about him but Josko has a long-term contract in Leipzig. Josko feels totally happy in Leipzig. His development is amazing and RB is playing very good under Marco Rose,” he added.
As far as Real Madrid are concerned, they might look to add a new centre-back if a certain Nacho Fernandez ends up leaving at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old has only played seven league games for the team this season and while his presence is very much appreciated by his teammates, he might look to pursue the rest of his career elsewhere.
As reported before, the veteran defender is wanted by as many as two Premier League sides, namely, Aston Villa and Wolves.
So if the 32-year-old ends up leaving, Real Madrid could be forced to make a new signing and Gvardiol could well and truly be the one. However, with several other top clubs in the running, and there being no release clause in his contract, it could prove to be an expensive operation.
Before he was hired by Bayern Munich as the direct replacement for Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel was closely linked with a move to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
The German tactician had kept a close eye on the development at Santiago Bernabeu, especially with coach Carlo Ancelotti facing immense pressure following the club’s poor performances in domestic competitions.
A recent report from Jorge Picon has offered more details on the Tuchel saga, suggesting that the coach was even learning Spanish during his time at Ibiza, anticipating a potential move to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
There were even contacts made between Tuchel’s entourage and Real Madrid. Although the talks were positive, the two sides were not able to reach an agreement.
Real Madrid did not guarantee him the job. They had informed Tuchel that Ancelotti may continue at the Bernabeu in the event the club win the UEFA Champions League this season.
This bit of uncertainty played a critical role in convincing Tuchel to join Bayern Munich instead. The former Chelsea boss was hired as a direct replacement for Nagelsmann, who was sacked after a poor season in the Bundesliga by the club’s high standards.
However, Tuchel’s move to Bayern appears to be a missed opportunity on the German’s part, as Real Madrid have recently intensified their search for a new manager.
It is clear that the club’s hierarchy is yet to reach a consensus over the future of Ancelotti, with some believing that a change is necessary come the end of the season. In fact, the club’s president Florentino Perez has been an admirer of Tuchel’s compatriot Nagelsmann.
The coaching prodigy is one of the candidates to replace Ancelotti in the summer, though it is Mauricio Pochettion who is reportedly leading the race so far.
