Real Madrid News
Real Madrid attacker issues update on contract renewal – ‘Always wanted to be here’
As Real Madrid get set to take on Al-Hilal in their first match of the FIFA Club World Cup tomorrow in the USA, versatile forward Brahim Diaz spoke to the media before the team’s training session.
The 25-year-old attacker has been in the news of late with reports suggesting that he is set to sign a new contract with Los Blancos.
In fact, earlier today it was claimed that a full agreement had been reached over a new five-year deal for the Moroccan international.
When asked how his renewal was progressing, Brahim all but confirmed that the deal is as good as done, saying:
“I have always wanted to be here. I’ve always made it clear that I wanted to succeed at Real Madrid. Madrid is always Madrid.”
On the team, new manager and new signings
Brahim also discussed how the team was shaping up ahead of their Group H opener against Al-Hilal tomorrow, as he said:
“Very happy, looking forward to this, with a lot of ambition. It’s the first Club World Cup and Madrid is always there to make history.
“We want to continue to extend the history that Real Madrid has. This will be another title to add to our trophy cabinet if everything goes well.”
The former Manchester City starlet then shared his initial impressions of working under new manager Xabi Alonso and how his experience has been so far.
“He still has the same quality and the same passing as when he was playing. He gets in there to play and he still looks like one more. He still has years left to play, I think,” said Brahim.
“He still has that intensity, both when he plays and as a coach, that desire to get the best out of him. We are very happy with him. He knows Madrid very well, because he has played here and he knows how demanding the club is.”
On whether he has spoken individually with the manager, the attacker added: “He’s close and talks to everyone, that’s positive. Whatever I have spoken to him stays between us.
“I am very happy to be training with him and that he is here. Let’s hope he gives many titles to Real Madrid, the best.”
Brahim then spoke highly of Real Madrid’s new signing Dean Huijsen, praising the young defender’s qualities.
“A good addition. We have already seen what he can give. He has a great touch, a great pass, a good vision and I’m sure he will give a lot to this club,” he said.
On Franco Mastantuono, Brahim added: “I’ve seen something, but not much. He seems to have a great talent, a very good left foot, and he will bring a lot to us. We are waiting for him.”
On the Club World Cup
Brahim then spoke about Real Madrid’s opponents for tomorrow, Al-Hilal, and what they can expect from the Saudi Arabian outfit.
“They look like a good rival. They have players who have played in Europe, so they know how we play. We’ll see how it goes. I know the goalkeeper [Bono] quite well… So let’s see if I can score a goal against him,” he said.
On Sergio Ramos saying Real Madrid were the favourites to win the FIFA Club World Cup, the versatile attacker remarked:
“It’s not for the sake of it, but Madrid are always favourites. We have ambition and they are the best club in the world, they have to win everything they play for.
“But it’s obvious that there are great teams and we will have to compete very well to win the Club World Cup, which is not easy.”
On whether it adds more pressure on Real Madrid to win, he replied: “There is always pressure, this is Real Madrid, the demand is maximum and you have to win everything you play.
“It’s a Club World Cup, the best in the world are there and we are there to give our best to win it. There is pressure, but it’s the good kind, the kind that we like, the kind that Real Madrid is, the kind that the club demands.”
The Moroccan also spoke about club president Florentino Perez flying to the USA to support the team, saying:
“The president is a great man. We are very happy that he has arrived, because he always shows us his affection and support. It’s a great pleasure to have him here.”
Source: AS
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.
