Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €100 million-rated German sensation for 2024; Man City, Barcelona also keen
Barring any last minute surprises regarding Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid’s summer transfer business is said to be over. However, that does not mean their future plans have taken a back seat.
In fact, a report from SPORT has confirmed that the team from the Spanish capital is actually keeping a close tab on 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Despite being just 20 years of age, the player is active on the senior circuit since the 2019-20 season. At 17 years and 15 days, Wirtz happens to be Leverkusen’s youngest-ever player in Bundesliga.
Wirtz’s profile is perfect for Real Madrid
We have reported before that Real Madrid are deviating from their usual strategy of going for in-demand high earners.
Rather, in recent times, the Merengues are actually looking forward to incorporating more young guns.
The decision has so far worked wonders with Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr.
As for Wirtz, the 20-year-old remains a perfect acquisition for Real Madrid. He is young, talented and impressively versatile.
However, as reported by SPORT, his price could be a concern, with Leverkusen valuing him at €100 million despite the fact that his market value is €85 million.
Manchester City, Barcelona also interested
Wirtz has been a regular fixture for Leverkusen since 2020 and it is believed that if Madrid are actually interested, they will face competition from Manchester City who see him as a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.
Furthermore, Barcelona are credited with interest too, although his €100 million valuation could keep them out of the race. Lastly, the thread of Bayern Munich is also hanging.
As for Real Madrid, they have strengthened their midfield quite well in recent years with the signings of Federico Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Dani Ceballos. So if they are to acquire him, competition in midfield is going to be tough.
But as part of their 2024 summer transfer window, Real Madrid will launch an approach for Wirtz while also engaging for Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
