Real Madrid News
Real Madrid coaching staff favouring move for Sevilla star keeper
Real Madrid have been rocked by the injury of Thibaut Courtois just a few days ahead of the start of the new season.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper has picked up an ACL injury that may keep him out on the sidelines for the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign.
Sure enough, this has forced Real Madrid to look for options in the market, as they seek an immediate replacement for Courtois.
Real Madrid’s coaching staff prefers Bono
Shortly after Courtois’ injury was confirmed, Diario AS had come up with a report linking Bono with a move to Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, the Spanish news outlet has come up with an update, suggesting Real Madrid’s coaching staff is favouring a move for Bono, in their bid to find a new goalkeeper in the market.
Real Madrid currently have five goalkeepers shortlisted, including former star Keylor Navas – but it appears Bono is emerging as the favourite for the club.
The Moroccan international is rated highly within the Madrid camp because of his pedigree at the highest level, coupled with his height.
Real Madrid will not pay any price
As per the same report, Real Madrid are not willing to pay figure for the services of Bono this summer.
They are likely to appear quite cautious in negotiations and are only expected to move if Sevilla agree to put up a valuation of around €20 million.
Bono’s current contract at Sevilla expires in 2025, and the goalkeeper has a hefty €50 million price tag embedded in his contract.
Sevilla lowering Bono’s valuation, therefore, could play a key role in determining whether or not Real Madrid can sign the goalkeeper this summer.
However, as mentioned earlier, the Spanish giants have been linked with other options and it will be interesting to see how things pan out in the coming days.
There just does not appear to be any respite from injuries for Real Madrid.
Just when it appeared that they were close to having their full squad – barring the two long-term absentees – the Merengues have been struck down by fresh injuries this week.
Arda Guler, who was on the cusp of being named in the squad for the Las Palmas clash, injured himself in training on Tuesday.
And now, during the game against Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid have lost key defender David Alaba to an injury.
Close to the 40th-minute mark, Alaba went down on the ground clutching his leg and appeared to be in quite a bit of discomfort.
Soon enough, the medical staff arrived to take a look at the Austrian and seconds later he was off the pitch and straight towards the tunnel.
Lucas Vazquez came on to replace the injured Alaba, with Nacho Fernandez moving into the centre-back position alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Alaba’s injury leaves Carlo Ancelotti with just two fit centre-backs in Rudiger and Nacho, which is set to be a matter of great concern.
The hope will be that Alaba’s condition is nothing serious and that he is able to mount a quick recovery.
