Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona ‘very interested’ in midfield star with €120 million release clause
Argentina marched to a strong 2-0 win over Poland in their final group-stage match on Wednesday in what was a one-sided affair. It was La Albiceleste’s best performance in the tournament so far and came with several changes in the lineup by Lionel Scaloni.
One player who received a first start on the night was young Enzo Fernandez. The SL Benfica midfielder played a vital cameo and scored the all-important second goal for his nation against Mexico, had earned the right to start Wednesday’s clash.
According to reports from TyC Sports, Real Madrid and Barcelona are both very interested in Fernandez’s signing and are contemplating the possibility of recruiting him in the coming windows.
In just three games for Argentina in the World Cup so far, the 21-year-old already has one goal and an assist to his name. He also averages over seven defensive actions per game whilst simultaneously posing a constant threat to the opposition’s goal.
Furthermore, Enzo Fernandez also has a goal and three assists in 13 games in league appearances for Benfica this season.
With Benfica having a good run in both the UEFA Champions League and their domestic competition, a move for one of their star players will not come cheap. Moreover, the inflation in price because of the World Cup is a factor one must account for.
All said the Portuguese side have protected the 21-year-old with a massive €120 million release clause. It remains to be seen if Real Madrid are willing to shell out such a premium given that Jude Bellingham is on their radar too.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid not worried about Bellingham’s knee injury, Dortmund asking for €150 million
Heading into the 2023 summer transfer window, Real Madrid had one main priority on their minds – signing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund amidst interest from several other parties involved.
With Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool also chasing his signature, Madrid knew it was going to take a lot more than just a €120 million offer and a blank cheque to convince Bellingham.
Eventually, it seems the player’s desire to join Madrid came through. He rejected advances from the Premier League, and eventually chose the defending Champions League winners as his next home.
There are certainly doubts with the transfer, though, as there would be, with any €120 million signing. With this transfer, it is Bellingham’s knee troubles. The Englishman might have to undergo surgery to treat his knee, and is also expected to miss England’s EURO 2024 qualifiers.
A knee surgery at the age of 19 would, and probably should be a scary prospect for any player and club. Real Madrid, though, are not worried, as per a report by SPORT1.
They want him to form a ‘royal midfield’ quadrant with Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde.
The transfer is expected to close next week, as Borussia Dortmund advanced negotiations with Real Madrid after losing the Bundesliga title on the final matchday.
The two club presidents, Hans-Joachim Watzke and Florentino Perez, have a ton of mutual respect for one another, and want the transfer to be closed promptly so both clubs can move forward with the rest of the transfer window.
For Dortmund, that means finding a replacement for Bellingham, and reinforcing their squad to challenge for the Bundesliga title next season. For Madrid, meanwhile, it would mean finding Karim Benzema’s replacement.
The final details of the transfer fee are still remaining, though, with Dortmund hoping to get nearly €150 million out of the deal.
