Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify 28-goal hitman as Plan B if Harry Kane does not arrive – report
With Karim Benzema departing for Al Ittihad, Real Madrid are left scrambling in search of a top-quality replacement for their former captain. And, Tottenham Hotspur superstar Harry Kane has emerged as the priority target to fill the giant void left by Benzema’s exit.
The 29-year-old is coming on the back of yet another excellent season personally, has just one year left on his contract with Spurs, and seems primed for an exit.
However, Kane’s price point could become an issue as Tottenham are holding out for €115 million, but Los Blancos are willing to offer only €80 million.
That and given Daniel Levy’s reputation for being a tough negotiator means that Kane’s arrival is far from guaranteed.
As such, Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato is reporting that Real Madrid have identified Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan as Plan B in case Kane does not join this summer.
Martinez is enjoying a fine 2022/23 campaign, having netted 28 goals and set up 11 more from 56 appearances across all competitions for the Nerazzurri, helping them make it to the finals of the UEFA Champions League.
The 25-year-old was also part of the Argentina national team squad that won the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar towards the end of last year.
As per the report, Martinez is a player who is greatly appreciated by the Real Madrid leaders. But given that his contract with Inter runs until the summer of 2026, the Italians could demand a significant fee for their ace goalscorer.
Having lost Benzema, it goes without saying that Real Madrid need to replace him with a top-quality striker this summer, with Kane and Martinez both being fine options.
However, there are some reports that suggest president Florentino Perez might not make a big move for a forward this summer and instead bring in Kylian Mbappe in 2024.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rising star suffered against Atletico due to veteran forward’s absence, says Simeone
Real Madrid’s 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid was not the first time were in trouble this season. In fact, the Merengues have gone behind early in almost every league game so far.
However, the difference on Sunday night was that they never really mounted a comeback. More importantly, Jude Bellingham did not come good, for the first time.
Simeone unravels the mystery
A jubilant Diego Simeone spoke to the media after his side downed Real Madrid by three goals to one and spoke about a plethora of topics.
Interestingly, he commented specifically on why Bellingham did not have an impact at Civitas Metropolitano, citing the absence of Joselu as a key factor.
“No, the spaces were reduced and I think that Joselu’s lack of presence left him with fewer chances to get there, when he takes advantage of Joselu’s aerial play. We controlled him better, he’s extraordinary,” he said, as quoted by AS.
He even called out the refereeing on the night and insisted that the Real Madrid star-boy should have seen red for his late tackle on Angel Correa, saying:
“It looked like a sending-off to me live, it was a hard leg up, with Angelito hitting the ball.”
Ironically, he defended his defender Jose Maria Gimenez for an equally threatening tackle on the night.
“A bad foul, it’s a yellow card because it goes sideways. Bellingham goes from the front and I think it’s a bit more,” he stated paradoxically.
No time to lament
The game at Civitas Metropolitano may not have gone Real Madrid’s way. Yet, it is good for the Merengues to taste defeat early and see the gaping holes in their dynamic.
Carlo Ancelotti admitted in his press conference that he bore the lion’s share of the fault for Sunday’s loss and that he would have done things differently if given the chance.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Los Blancos have a hectic schedule ahead with two games in the next five days and a UCL fixture against Napoli next week. With Vinicius Jr back, one hopes they find their mojo once again.
M.E Leboko
June 11, 2023 at 4:30 am
This Florentino Perez must as from know that he is the cause of Real Madrid to be looking so devastated due to his resistance of bringing some legs to the club.
He is old,senile,of doing things at a pace which does not work for football club.Here still he still thinking a lot about Mbappe,who will still disappoint him the next season he is thinking of.
There is a need of alternate thinking of taking decisions since Real Madrid so drastically failed last season.