Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender would like to play with Man City superstar: “He’s a world-class player”
Nacho Fernandez is one of many Real Madrid players who are facing an uncertain future at Santiago Bernabeu, with his current contract at the club expiring at the end of the season.
While one would expect players such as Nacho to not make noise when it comes to a contract extension, this season has been different for the veteran defender. He has found it difficult to find prominence in the first team, which has led to speculation over his future.
Earlier reports have claimed that Nacho has turned down Real Madrid’s offer, as he is holding out for a two-year contract.
But in a recent interaction with the media ahead of the international break, Nacho addressed his situation with Real Madrid, suggesting that any decision regarding his future will depend on how big of a role the club offer him.
“I’m happy today. We’ll make a decision between the two of us. Logically, if it goes well, they make me feel important, it will be as easy as in recent years,” he said.
Nacho has featured in only 17 league matches this term, only 10 of which have been starts. He has fallen behind the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and David Alaba in the pecking order.
During the same press interaction, Nacho also touched upon Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, who is a target for Real Madrid. The centre-forward was supposed to face Nacho and Spain in the Euro qualifiers, but withdrew from Norway’s squad due to injury.
But, Nacho stated that he would look forward to play with Haaland amid links to Real Madrid, calling him a ‘world-class’ player.
“I would like to play with Haaland obviously. He’s a world-class player. It would be amazing,” the defender added.
Although the veteran centre-back has historically never complained about his role in the team, it appears the player is unhappy with the way he has been treated this season. This has led to Nacho reconsidering his future at the Bernabeu.
Therefore, the 33-year-old, who was recently selected for the Spanish national team by new coach Luis de la Fuente, is holding out for a bigger role in the squad.
One would expect Nacho’s future to be resolved by the end of this international break when La Roja are expected to lock horns with Norway and Scotland.
Nacho, meanwhile, heaped praise on his former teammate Sergio Ramos, adding, “Sergio Ramos is the best defender in the history of Spain. He’s my idol, an icon and above all a dear friend.”
Source: MARCA
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €3.5 million-rated relegated Premier League striker to reinforce attack
Following a difficult season with troubles in La Liga and the Champions League preventing Real Madrid from retaining their crowns, Los Blancos move towards a transformative summer, full of innovations.
Real Madrid managed to clear plenty of unwanted figures at the club, with a huge relief on the wage bill. However, with an array of exits, the squad has contracted and thus replacements are being inquired.
Apart from the high-profile departure of Karim Benzema, fringe players have also bid their farewell.
Among those names is Mariano Diaz, who was Madrid’s backup striker prior to his withdrawal. Several names have been put on the table to fill his absence as the club largely aim to address their lack of depth.
According to Arancha Rodriguez (via RM4Arab), Leeds United striker Rodrigo Moreno is one of the names gaining consensus in the Madrid hierarchy. Moreover, Joselu has also been considered as a viable alternative.
The two favourites to replace Mariano have proven to be important figures for their clubs as both strikers maintain a starting role.
Playing for Espanyol, Joselu ended the La Liga campaign as the third top scorer, only behind Benzema and Lewandowski. Considering Espanyol’s relegation, such a feat looks even more impressive. The Spaniard secured 19 goals in all competitions.
On the other hand, Rodrigo Moreno recorded 16 goals last season across all competitions. Similar to Joselu’s case, the Spanish international also suffered relegation with Leeds, in spite of his good numbers.
With both players offering adequate output in struggling sides, Real Madrid’s interest is practical. Moreover, considering both Espanyol and Leeds were relegated, their asking price will undeniably lower, which enables the Merengues to sign one of the two targets at a more convenient rate.
It is claimed that Rodrigo has a release clause worth €3.5 million which Los Blancos would have to trigger to sign him from Leeds United.
It now remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti & co. go after the former Valencia man or move for Joselu instead.
Cityblue
March 22, 2023 at 4:43 pm
City don’t sign players over 29 and Real Madrid couldn’t possibly afford Haaland, right now he’s the most valuable player in the world . I’d say £250 million worth, even more if he helps Manchester win the Champions League.