Real Madrid News
Real Madrid had the chance to sign Manchester City duo in summer – report
In a massive revelation made by Sergio Lopez de Vicente while writing for Diario AS, it’s been confirmed that the likes of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus were offered to Real Madrid in the summer, but the team could not complete the transfer as there were no free non-EU places in the team.
The lack of spare non-EU places in the team has been a major problem for Real Madrid for years and it even hindered their transfer strategies for the ongoing season. According to La Liga regulations, each Spanish team is only allowed three non-EU players in the squad.
These places are currently acquired by Eder Militao, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo. So when the opportunity of signing Sterling and Jesus came calling, Madrid had to pass on it.
Back then, Raheem Sterling was well within Madrid’s range as he wanted to leave City to look for other avenues. As it turns out, he was offered to Real Madrid and while the team did weigh his incorporation, they were forced to back out due to the aforementioned issue.
Similarly, Gabriel Jesus was on the verge of exit after City signed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund. Just like Sterling, Jesus, too, was offered to Madrid, who looked at the Brazilian as a replacement for Karim Benzema. But lack of non-EU spaces once again pulled Madrid out of it.
Sterling went on to sign for Chelsea in the summer while Gabriel Jesus reunited with his former coach Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
Interestingly enough, it’s not the first time Sterling’s name was linked with Real Madrid. Back in February 2020, the England international spoke highly of the team, saying that he is always open to new challenges.
“I’m very happy [at City], but I also say that Madrid is a fantastic club,” he had said.
“When you see the white shirt you know exactly what the club stands for, it’s huge. Although I have to say that I have a great contract with City and I have to respect it.
“But it’s a fantastic club. Madrid is a fantastic club, in a country with a long time. incredible. I am a player who is always open to challenges,” he added.
Back then, there was no place for Sterling in the Real Madrid squad as all positions were duly acquired. Even this season, if he would have arrived, there would have been a high competition to play on the wings.
As we approach the final phase of the 2022/23 campaign, Real Madrid are facing immense pressure to renew the contracts of two of their veterans Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.
According to a recent report from Josep Pedrerol, Real Madrid have been made aware that Saudi Arabian clubs have contacted the two, with the aim of bringing them to the Middle East to enhance their league.
Modric has been facing an uncertain future with his contract expiring at the end of the season. While he is in talks with Madrid over a renewal, the midfielder has also been approached by Saudi Arabian clubs, as they look to enhance the league by roping in stars from Europe.
Al Nassr notably made headlines earlier in the year by bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. Since then, Saudi clubs have been linked with moves for players like Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard and even Lionel Messi.
Modric, too, is considered one of the top targets for Saudi clubs. Although the midfielder has expressed his desire to continue at the Bernabeu for at least another year, a deal with Real Madrid has not materialised. This has opened up a window of opportunity for Saudi clubs to make their move.
Meanwhile, Karim Benzema was reported to be close to finalising a renewal recently, but an agreement is yet to be reached. The Frenchman has had his share of struggles with injuries and fitness this season, which has led to questions about his longevity and future at Real Madrid.
While the links to a move to Saudi Arabia have not been as prominent for Benzema, it is expected that the Saudi clubs may jump on any opportunity to lure the striker to the Middle East.
Real Madrid are aware of the situation and are working to secure the futures of their star players. However, with the prospect of lucrative contracts being offered by the Saudi Arabian clubs, the players themselves may be tempted to make the move.
