Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €80 million-rated Serie A title-winner as Kroos replacement – report
The midfield was never a priority for Real Madrid heading into the summer transfer window. After all, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are bestowed with impeccable riches in the department in a combination of youth and experience.
Toni Kroos’ decision to call it time on his career as a professional footballer, however, appears to have opened the door once more.
Even though they are not scouring the market actively for a replacement, it is not ruled out that the club will look for a midfielder, and Mundo Deportivo reveals one of the players who interests the club.
Nicolo Barella emerges as a target
As relayed by the Spanish outlet, Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan has resurfaced as an option on Real Madrid’s table to replace the outgoing German legend.
In fact, it is not the first time Los Blancos have been linked with the Italian superstar. Barella was seen as an option for the team’s midfield right from the time they began scouting Jude Bellingham and continues to be a player the administration admires.
The 28-year-old’s contract with Inter Milan runs until the summer of 2026 and his price tag is set at a whopping €80 million.
Considering the Galactico-rich transfer window Real Madrid plan, that figure is not one the club will entertain.
The in-house solution
If Real Madrid opts against getting into the transfer market for an immediate solution, the club could wait until the summer of 2025 to make the move.
In such a situation, which appears likely as it stands, Carlo Ancelotti has a plan in place to fill the void left by the German maestro.
Come next season, Jude Bellingham is set to play in a deeper role for Real Madrid and could start in central midfield alongside Eduardo Camavinga or Federico Valverde.
After all, Kylian Mbappe’s arrival negates the need for his presence in the box.
Moreover, Arda Guler provides a good option for Ancelotti if the manager wishes for an attacking midfielder in the lineup. All boxes thus appear ticked for now.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
