Real Madrid News
Real Madrid face Juventus, Newcastle United competition for 18-year-old target
A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has offered an update on Real Madrid’s objectives in the transfer market.
Although the club have set their sights on a summer move for Jude Bellingham, they are also keeping tabs on other players in an attempt to address other key areas in the squad. One of the problem areas is the right-back department.
Dani Carvajal’s fitness issues are well-documented while Lucas Vazquez’s contract expires next year. So, a new right-back is seemingly on the agenda at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Recent reports have linked Real Madrid with a move for Ivan Fresneda. The 18-year-old Real Valladolid starlet has made quite an impression in La Liga this season and is regarded as one of the most talented fullbacks in the league.
The teenage sensation has featured consistently for the Valladolid first team this season and has even made a few appearances for the Spanish youth side.
But as per Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid are set to face stiff competition from Juventus in the race to sign Fresneda. The Bianconeri are keeping close tabs on the progress of the 18-year-old at Valladolid, as part of their plans to reinforce the right-back department.
Newcastle United, too, are involved in the pursuit of Fresneda, who has featured in 11 competitive matches for Valladolid thus far.
Real Madrid, therefore, have their task cut out if they are to make a move for the young Spaniard. In addition to the competition, luring the youngster away from Valladolid could also be a costly affair, as the player still has a contract with the club until 2025.
Real Madrid, though, have no shortage of alternatives in their bid to find new right-backs. In fact, they are also considering making the signing of Vinicius Tobias permanent, with the youngster impressing for the Castilla outfit.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder trained away from the group last week, but has no injury – report
With the international break underway, several Real Madrid players have been called up for national team assignments. The stars who have not travelled for international duty have continued to work at the club’s Valdebebas training facility to prepare for the restart.
Toni Kroos is one such player who has remained in Madrid, having retired from international football back in 2021.
However, there had been concerns growing around the 33-year-old’s physical condition as he regularly did indoor work last week and was not spotted in group training with his teammates.
Now, Sergio Quirante has come up with an update on Kroos’ situation, stating that even though the midfielder largely did individual work inside the facilities over the last week, he is fine and has no injuries.
Taking advantage of the international break, the former Bayern Munich superstar is understood to have gone through an individual program to prepare for the final, decisive stretch of the 2022/23 season.
Kroos not being injured comes as a big positive for Real Madrid, ahead of important games against Real Valladolid and Barcelona within the first five days of April.
The rest of the Real Madrid midfield contingent – Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, and Dani Ceballos – are all away on international duties and could return with some fatigue from the travel.
So, it is important that Kroos is fully fit and ready to go as Real Madrid look to cut down the gap to the top of the table in La Liga and also make it to the finals of the Copa del Rey by overturning a first-leg deficit against Barcelona in the semi-finals.
Kroos has played 37 matches this season, chipping in with two goals and five assists in the process. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it is still unclear whether he will renew or hang up his boots.
