Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Chelsea and Juventus eyeing former Barcelona defender on Bosman deal
Real Madrid have already secured the signing of Fran Garcia for the summer, with the former left-back set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu from Rayo Vallecano in a €5 million deal.
But, if a report from Mundo Deportivo is to be believed, Real Madrid could be in for another left-back, with SL Benfica’s Alejandro Grimaldo understood to be a subject of interest at the capital club.
Apart from Real Madrid, the report states that clubs like Chelsea, Juventus, and Valencia are also interested in signing the former Barcelona defender who will be a free agent in the summer transfer window.
Grimaldo has been at Benfica for over seven years now, having departed Barcelona in search of regular game-time. The 27-year-old has thrived in Portugal, racking up impressive numbers season after season, helping his team stay on top or close to the top regularly in the domestic competitions.
This season, Grimaldo has managed a tally of five goals and 11 assists from 41 appearances across all competitions for Benfica. The Portuguese giants are believed to be keen on renewing the Spaniard’s contract, but he could be on his way out, with no shortage of suitors.
Real Madrid have Ferland Mendy as their only natural left-back at the moment, with Garcia set to arrive to provide competition.
However, it must be noted that several club officials are allegedly unhappy with Mendy’s attacking ability and contributions. And with talks over his renewal not progressing, a sale could be on the cards.
That is where Grimaldo might enter the picture. The 27-year-old has experience at the highest level, has proven his pedigree, and would be arriving on a Bosman deal.
It, however, remains to be seen whether Real Madrid’s interest in the former Barcelona star is concrete. In case it is, Los Blancos would still have to beat off competition from heavyweights like Chelsea and Juventus.
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.
