Real Madrid News
Real Madrid face two obstacles in summer pursuit of 26-goal striker – report
Real Madrid are close to sealing their first summer transfer of the season in the form of Jude Bellingham. With the noise around the English midfielder now subdued, the administration are working towards the acquisition of a new striker.
Los Blancos are in a state of conflict over the decision surrounding the number nine position for next season. Some reports state that the club maintain complete faith in Karim Benzema and will wait another year before splashing the cash. Others, however, bring forth the candidates being considered at Valdebebas.
One of the players on Real Madrid’s radar on that front is Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos. The Portuguese international made the headlines in the FIFA World Cup for a stunning display against Switzerland in the knockout stages and his form at the club level has been no different.
In 28 Liga Portugal appearances this season, Ramos has scored 18 goals and provided two assists. He averages 0.6 key passes per game and has created four big chances. The 21-year-old has also netted eight more goals in other competitions.
However, AS report that Real Madrid face two significant hurdles if they opt for the operation to sign Ramos.
The first obstacle appears to be the economic situation. Benfica expect an exorbitant price for their central striker who is contracted at the club until 2026. Earlier this season when Newcastle United and Manchester United were scouting the player, a fee of around €120 million was quoted.
Secondly, Ramos is represented by the agency of Jorge Mendes with whom Real Madrid do not share a great rapport. The two parties cut ties after Cristiano Ronaldo’s anti-climactic departure from the Santiago Bernabeu and the negotiations will thus be complicated.
It appears likely that the Merengues will pass on the Portuguese star’s availability and pursue either Dusan Vlahovic or Harry Kane instead. Moreover, the possibility of waiting a year for Kylian Mbappe cannot be ruled out.
Real Madrid News
Harry Kane ‘very close’ to completing Real Madrid move, only final details remain – report
Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid was finally closed earlier today as officially confirmed by Borussia Dortmund on their website. Yet, the offices at Santiago Bernabeu have not even taken a break to celebrate their success.
According to reports from Alfredo Pedullà, Los Blancos are now completely focused on the acquisition of Harry Kane. The English striker’s arrival is very close to approaching closure and only a few details remain to be sorted.
The Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur representatives reportedly held a meeting today over the striker’s transfer. The agenda was to agree on a number for the transfer fee.
The Premier League side began the proceedings with an expectation of €100 to €110 million in exchange for Kane. However, the Merengues suggested a lower point at €80 to €90 million, albeit with the option to include bonuses.
There is not much separating the two parties at the moment, and the minor gap will be bridged in the coming days. Overall, the meeting ended with a broad understanding between the two clubs.
Carlo Ancelotti sees the English striker as the centre-piece of his attack for next season given the recent departure of Karim Benzema. After all, Kane has been one of football’s most consistent goalscorers over the past decade.
Yet, Los Blancos cannot afford to let their guard down with one signing and will need to rope in at least two more names in attack to serve as backup options. The exits of Mariano Diaz, Marco Asensio, and Eden Hazard leave them with no squad depth, after all.
Kane has scored 30, 17, and 23 goals in his last three seasons in the Premier League and is the epitome of consistency. Further, he had three assists in his most recent league season and created 14 big chances.
