Real Madrid News
Real Madrid had a €25 million+ loan-to-buy offer for La Liga goalkeeper rejected
In light of Courtois’ ACL injury, Real Madrid were compelled to immediately search for replacements on the market.
With the player at risk of missing out on the entire campaign, Real Madrid shortlisted a number of candidates for the goalkeeper position and are now closing in on signing Kepa Arrizabalaga on a loan deal from Chelsea.
However, a recent report by Hugo Ballester has revealed that Los Blancos initially had their sights set on Valencia’s goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Valencia rejected Madrid’s proposal
As per the report, Real Madrid sent a formal offer of a €5 million loan fee plus a buy option worth more than €20 million to Valencia for Mamardashvili yesterday, which was rejected.
The operation, the total cost of which would have been in excess of €25 million, was rejected by Valencia’s owner, Peter Lim, who considered the deal unfeasible.
Mamardashvili was crucial to Valencia’s narrow 1-0 triumph over Real Madrid last season, which likely swayed the Merengues to turn their attention toward him.
Nonetheless, the offer from the Spanish capital club was shot down by Los Che, who did not see the proposal as good enough.
Mamardashvili was not the only keeper from Spain Madrid were interested in, as Real Madrid searched far and wide in La Liga, eyeing Bono as a potential replacement as well.
However, even though the Moroccan was Carlo Ancelotti’s first choice, Sevilla’s high demands for the player and his potential involvement in the 2024 AFCON deterred Los Blancos from pursuing him.
After missing out on the aforementioned choices, it appears that the man to guard Real Madrid’s goal this season will be Kepa as the Spanish international will be arriving on loan, with no obligation to buy.
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
