Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender remains intent on staying at club despite lack of game-time
It does not get bigger than playing for Real Madrid in any top footballer’s career. Given the club’s trophy-filled cabinets and rich history, players dream of receiving Los Blancos’ interest in the transfer market.
The converse also is seemingly true. Once recruited by the Merengues, any move away is perceived as a step-down. Thus, some would prefer to stay on the bench at the Bernabeu than play elsewhere.
According to reports from AS (h/t Madrid Xtra), Jesus Vallejo is the latest to take the aforementioned decision. The centre-back wants to stay at the club even if he is the fifth-choice centre-back for Carlo Ancelotti.
While the Spaniard has been impressive in his few opportunities, it is clear that there are better options at the manager’s disposal. The likes of Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Nacho Fernandez are all ahead of Vallejo on the pecking order, making it difficult for him to see minutes in Madrid.
At just 26 years of age, Vallejo has his best years ahead of him and could make it big at any other European club. However, the Spaniard prioritises donning the Real Madrid badge and wishes to fight for a spot in the future.
The defender is yet to play this season in La Liga and made just five appearances in the competition in 2021/22. In his 345 minutes last season, he oversaw two clean sheets and averaged close to ten defensive actions per game.
Vallejo’s current deal with Los Blancos runs until the summer of 2025 and it remains to be seen if he extends his deal. Nevertheless, his contractual situation is not of priority now given that he has two more years left on his deal.
Real Madrid News
Harry Kane’s signing could complicate Real Madrid’s plan to sign Erling Haaland in 2024
Those sitting in the Real Madrid offices are aware that the team needs an emergency number 9. In this context, manager Carlo Ancelotti has already affirmed that they are working on some targets, although he decided not to reveal any names.
Now, what makes this operation trickier is that Madrid already have Erling Haaland on their agenda. The Manchester City forward is billed for the summer of 2024, meaning that any signing Madrid make this year will be extremely short-term.
A couple of days back, we reported that Ancelotti has made the signing of Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane his priority. The manager is of the idea that the England international will be the ideal candidate to provide competition to Benzema, whose physical fitness is now deteriorating.
As far as Kane is concerned, the Tottenham forward is rightly expected to leave and fellow Premier League side Manchester United happen to be interested in his acquisition as well.
It is not really difficult for Madrid to sign Kane, but the fact that Madrid already have Haaland in their plans is a problem, reports AS. At 29 years of age, Kane is not someone who would step down from his starting role when Haaland arrives.
Add to it the continuity of Benzema is yet another issue. All this means there is a high possibility that if Kane arrives, the team will overbook the number 9 position.
At the moment, there is a parade of names that Madrid are following, namely, Goncalo Ramos, Dusan Vlahovic and even Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but nothing is certain at the moment.
What Madrid need is a short-term option, someone who is either willing to settle for a secondary role, even when Benzema leave/retires or is ready to come on a season-long loan to cover the position until Madrid sign Haaland in 2024. Either way, Harry Kane does not fit the bill.
