Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona fall behind Bayern Munich in pursuit of midfield gem
Real Madrid are actively on the lookout for youth prospects with potential in order to sign them early, before their market value rises.
Only this past January, the club roped in a number of young talents from within Spain to bolster the La Fabrica and Castilla ranks.
Real Madrid eye Kennet Eichhorn, but trail Bayern Munich
Now, according to BILD (h/t SPORT), Real Madrid are among a host of clubs tracking Hertha BSC wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn, along with arch-rivals FC Barcelona.
However, as things stand, Bayern Munich have taken the lead in the race for the 16-year-old midfield prodigy.
Indeed, the Bavarian giants have made contact with the German starlet’s agency, Win11, which also happens to represent Jamal Musiala, to affirm their concrete interest in signing the player.
Eichhorn, for his part, is already considering the possibility of leaving Hertha in the summer, who look set to miss out on promotion to Bundesliga.
And, Bayern Munich are trying to convince the youngster and his entourage that the Allianz Arena is the best place for him to continue his development.
Apart from Real Madrid and Barcelona, there are other clubs like RB Leipzig, Manchester United, and Eintracht Frankfurt who are also keen on the 16-year-old starlet.
But, as things stand, Bayern Munich appear to be the frontrunners to sign Eichhorn, who has an affordable release clause worth around €10-12 million in his contract with Hertha.
In a season where Real Madrid have largely struggled to keep pace with leaders Barcelona, Arda Guler has been one of the few bright sparks.
Despite his limited minutes, the Turkish international has shown that he is capable of becoming a first-team regular for Los Blancos, especially at a time when others, including Vinicius Jr. are struggling to make an impact.
Guler was notably named in Real Madrid’s five-player star of the month for September and the player could soon be rewarded with a contract extension as well.
New contract for Arda Guler
According to AS, Guler has agreed terms for a new deal at Real Madrid, in what could be the club’s first major renewal for the new season.
The young Turk’s current deal at the Bernabeu expires in 2029. But the renewal will ensure his future at the club at least until 2031.
The new contract will effectively acknowledge Guler’s growing role in the Real Madrid first-team and include a salary-increase.
The negotiations between the two parties had started last month and has now come to fruition, with Guler more than happy to continue his chapter at Real Madrid.
He also joins a long list of Real Madrid players with long-term contracts, including Yan Diomande, Vinicius Jr., Marc Cucurella, Aurelien Tchouameni and others.
An important season ahead
With the contract likely to be finalised soon, Arda Guler’s main goal will be continue to his form when the season restarts next weekend.
The forward has been involved in four goals in seven matches this season. With Vinicius and Diomande struggling for form, the Turkish international will have an excellent opportunity to become a regular starter for Jose Mourinho throughout the course of the campaign.
Mourinho, for his part, must identify how to get the best out of both Guler and an in-form Jude Bellingham. If the two can somehow work together in the final third, Real Madrid could find themselves dominating most matches.
