Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward wants to leave for free, club reluctant to terminate contract
With less than a week left before the summer transfer window closes, Real Madrid are continuing to focus on their outgoings.
Los Blancos are working hard to find a suitor for out-of-favour defender Alvaro Odriozola, while they also remain intent on getting rid of attacking outcast Mariano Diaz.
The 29-year-old striker has been told that he does not belong in manager Carlo Ancelotti’s plans and has been put up for sale. But for the longest part of the summer, he was reluctant to leave and wanted to see out his contract which expires next year.
However, there has been a change in Mariano’s stance recently, with the centre-forward now willing to consider leaving Real Madrid, as long as it is for another club in La Liga.
Now, AS is reporting that the former Olympique Lyon forward has added another condition for his exit this summer. As per the report, Mariano is now keen on leaving Real Madrid only if they terminate his contract and let him leave for free.
However, the Merengues are reluctant to entertain such an idea as they do not want to hand the striker a letter of freedom, even though they will be getting rid of his €9.5 million per year gross salary.
Instead, the champions of Spain and Europe are intent on getting some cash in exchange for the player’s departure, having invested over €30 million to sign him in 2018.
Mariano has attracted interest from several clubs in La Liga, but there have been no concrete offers made as of yet, mostly due to his wages.
However, Real Madrid believe that clubs could come forward in the final week of the window as there are likely to be some major striker departures – Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad is headed to Newcastle, Almeria’s Umar Sadiq could leave while Espanyol’s Raul De Tomas is also a target for many teams.
Hence, the Merengues are not rushing to make a decision on Mariano’s future and will not hand him a letter of freedom as of yet until it becomes clear that they cannot make any money from his departure.
There is a possibility that Real Madrid could consider a deal similar to Luka Jovic’s move to Fiorentina, where he was allowed to leave for free with Los Blancos retaining a percentage of future sales.
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
