Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender could reunite with Jose Mourinho at AS Roma in 2023
Nacho Fernandez has spent his entire career at Real Madrid. A product of the academy, the 32-year-old has been on the club’s books for over two decades, having joined the youth setup back in 2001.
It was in 2011 that Nacho made his first-team debut for Real Madrid under then-manager Jose Mourinho. However, he became an official member of the senior setup in 2013, meaning he will be completing ten years with the first team come 2023.
However, it could very well prove to be Nacho’s final year at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spaniard’s current contract with Los Blancos runs out at the end of the ongoing campaign and he has stalled on renewal talks as he is unhappy with his current situation.
And, according to Mundo Deportivo, a reunion with Mourinho at the latter’s current club, AS Roma, could be a potential option for Nacho, should he decide to call time on his career at Real Madrid.
While Nacho is seen as an important part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, the defender has seen his game-time take a hit since the summer signing of Antonio Rudiger.
Indeed, of the Merengues’ 21 matches across all competitions this season, Nacho has collected just a meagre 414 minutes. Unhappy with his involvement, the defender, who will turn 33 in Nacho, has halted talks over a new deal.
Furthermore, Real Madrid are also looking to add Josko Gvardiol to their ranks next summer. The Croatian’s potential arrival would push Nacho further down the order at the Bernabeu, which could compel him to consider an exit as a free agent in 2023.
Should that happen, Nacho is said to be attracting interest from several clubs in the Premier League and Serie A.
And, as per the report, a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Roma could be a very likely option for Nacho. Another former Real Madrid boss in Julen Lopetegui, who is currently in charge of Wolves, is also said to be keen on the veteran defender.
So, it will be interesting to see what Nacho decides with regard to his future as his contract closes in on expiration.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder trained away from the group last week, but has no injury – report
With the international break underway, several Real Madrid players have been called up for national team assignments. The stars who have not travelled for international duty have continued to work at the club’s Valdebebas training facility to prepare for the restart.
Toni Kroos is one such player who has remained in Madrid, having retired from international football back in 2021.
However, there had been concerns growing around the 33-year-old’s physical condition as he regularly did indoor work last week and was not spotted in group training with his teammates.
Now, Sergio Quirante has come up with an update on Kroos’ situation, stating that even though the midfielder largely did individual work inside the facilities over the last week, he is fine and has no injuries.
Taking advantage of the international break, the former Bayern Munich superstar is understood to have gone through an individual program to prepare for the final, decisive stretch of the 2022/23 season.
Kroos not being injured comes as a big positive for Real Madrid, ahead of important games against Real Valladolid and Barcelona within the first five days of April.
The rest of the Real Madrid midfield contingent – Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, and Dani Ceballos – are all away on international duties and could return with some fatigue from the travel.
So, it is important that Kroos is fully fit and ready to go as Real Madrid look to cut down the gap to the top of the table in La Liga and also make it to the finals of the Copa del Rey by overturning a first-leg deficit against Barcelona in the semi-finals.
Kroos has played 37 matches this season, chipping in with two goals and five assists in the process. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it is still unclear whether he will renew or hang up his boots.
