Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender to make a decision on his future before April – report
When asked why his side failed to capitalise on the right wing in the second half against Real Madrid, Jurgen Klopp did not hesitate in naming Nacho Fernandez. The manager admitted that the defender’s substitution into the game took away his men’s freedom down the flank and praised the Spaniard’s influence.
After the game, Nacho was asked about his future at the club by the media, given that he has just five months left on his deal. However, the veteran asked for time and said that he hadn’t made his decision.
According to reports from Jorge C Picon, Nacho’s decision over his future will come soon. The player wishes to end the entire saga before April so as to avoid making a fuss about it.
The veteran Real Madrid defender has not had regular minutes under Carlo Ancelotti. He has become the last-choice defender and only starts in the absence of other options through injury.
Nacho is understandably frustrated at his situation in the club. Several players in the dressing room are also said to be annoyed by the Spaniard’s lack of minutes and feel that he deserves better.
Yet, the 33-year-old has always maintained a professional attitude and performs exceptionally when called upon.
Nacho has only started seven of Real Madrid’s 22 La Liga games this season and has overseen four clean sheets while on the field. Further, he averages over five defensive actions per game.
The youth academy graduate confirmed after the game at Anfield that Real Madrid had offered to extend his contract but called it a difficult and personal decision to take from his end.
After all, Nacho’s near-zero involvement at the beginning of the season was hard on the player, and it is clear that he does not wish to sit on the sidelines.
A decision on his future, thus, will likely be made before April and it will be interesting to see if the seasoned campaigner continues to be a one-club man or seeks a change of scenery.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
