Real Madrid News
Real Madrid board not discussing January signings, deals ‘unlikely to happen’ – report
Following their defeat to Rayo Vallecano on Monday night, reports emerged that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had requested the club to sign a new striker in the upcoming January transfer window.
The Merengues do not have a viable natural backup option for Karim Benzema in the squad, given that Mariano Diaz is no longer under favour.
Rodrygo Goes has been asked to step in during the Frenchman’s absence and while the youngster has done well, Real would do well by adding a new striker, especially if they wish to defend their La Liga and UEFA Champions League crowns.
However, according to Diario AS (h/t Madrid Xtra), it is very unlikely that any signings will happen in the January window, as the Real Madrid board is not discussing such a possibility at the moment.
Ancelotti, while addressing the media, has always maintained that he is happy with his squad and does not wish to make any changes to it before the end of the season.
However, there have been speculations over the futures of both Eden Hazard and Mariano. And considering that the team has not performed at the optimal level of late and factoring in Benzema’s injury issues, not signing a new striker in January could prove to be an imprudent move.
But, as things stand, there seem to be no discussions within the club about any new additions during the January window.
Recent results have led to Real Madrid falling behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race, with the reigning champions now five points off their eternal rivals, who sit atop the table. A win tonight against Cadiz will reduce the deficit to two.
Irrespective of what happens, not signing a new forward in the winter to cover for Benzema could prove to be detrimental to Real Madrid’s chances of retaining their title.
Real Madrid News
€40 million midfielder prefers a move to Real Madrid over Premier League clubs – report
The race for Jude Bellingham has become tightly contested in recent weeks. Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid all pursue the Borussia Dortmund star closely and hope to win his signing come June.
Given the heavy competition, it is natural that the clubs have alternative names on their tables. One such name on the radars of the aforementioned clubs is Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga.
The La Liga midfielder has offers from the Premier League for the summer. However, SER reports that the player has asked Real Madrid if they will match the offer from England and has displayed his interest in joining the club.
Veiga’s release clause with Celta Vigo is valued at €40 million. If the Merengues can match such a valuation, either through direct means or player exchanges, the young phenom will don white next season.
Real Madrid have followed Veiga’s profile for a while now and have made their interest in his signing known to his environment. Yet, the Spanish outlet also adds that Veiga’s potential arrival in June would not close the doors for Jude Bellingham’s signing.
Rafa Marin of Real Madrid Castilla is a player who interests Celta Vigo, and unsurprisingly is one of the names on Los Blancos’ table to utilise in a swap deal for Veiga. Yet, it is safe to say that talks of a player exchange are in a rudimentary stage.
The 20-year-old Spanish phenom has lit up La Liga this season. In 25 appearances for Celta Vigo this season, he has scored nine goals and provided three assists. He averages close to one key pass per game and has created five big chances in his league campaign.
With Los Blancos unwilling to let go of Bellingham’s pursuit irrespective of Veiga’s signing, the question will boil down to the financial leeway the Merengues have and whether they can afford to shell out €40 million in addition to the Englishman’s fee.
