Real Madrid News
Real Madrid at the ‘front of the queue’ to sign Liverpool target – report
Real Madrid have appeared quite active in the transfer market lately, as we approach the January window.
The club are actively involved in the pursuit of Jude Bellingham, who has emerged as one of their priority targets ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Real Madrid, after all, are facing a challenge to reshuffle the midfield unit, especially amid the uncertainty over the future of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
There are fears that Kroos may opt for early retirement while Dani Ceballos is likely to be offloaded at the end of the season. Modric is expected to continue for at least another year but at the age of 37, the club must find proper replacements sooner rather than later.
That is where Bellingham comes into the fray. According to several reports, Real Madrid are set to hold negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over the Englishman’s potential move to Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.
Real Madrid are not the only club interested in the young midfielder, who has become a subject of interest for various Premier League teams, including Liverpool.
However, according to Neil Jones of GOAL, Real Madrid have emerged as the clear frontrunner in the race to sign Bellingham and are at the ‘front of the queue’ to sign the midfielder.
This can be primarily attributed to the fact that the player reportedly favours a move to the Spanish capital club, rather than a return to England.
Recent reports even suggest that Bellingham is prepared to snub Liverpool, in favour of a move to Real Madrid. Moreover, the Merengues have set aside a chunk of funds in order to facilitate the move for the former Birmingham City starlet.
Real Madrid were initially reluctant on breaking the bank for Bellingham. But given the way the youngster has settled in quickly in the Bundesliga, coupled with his performances in the FIFA World Cup for England, they are convinced he has what it takes to become a long-term asset for the club.
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.
