Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify French youngster as long-term replacement for Casemiro
Barcelona’s midfield of Xavi, Sergio Busquets, and Andres Iniesta dominated the world of football for years on end before Real Madrid created their own beast in the form of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and of course, Casemiro.
With Modric 36, and Kroos 32, this incredible midfield is heading into its twilight years, but Madrid have the likes of Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga to fall back on as central midfielders.
As for Casemiro, the search for his long term replacement is going on, and it seems Florentino Perez and co. have identified AS Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni as his successor. The club, according to MARCA, is ‘in love’ with the player.
The French midfielder has gained quite a few followers across Europe over the course of the season, and Monaco want to capitalise on the same by slapping a €60 million price tag on him.
Tchouameni, who can play both as a central midfielder and as a defensive midfielder, is lauded for his incredible defensive acumen. With 139 interceptions, 185 tackles, and 450 ball recoveries in 2021, the proof is in the pudding.
As such, the 22-year-old can serve as a direct replacement for Casemiro, who is quite the defender himself. Playing with him can only go to benefit Tchouameni, and for the Brazilian, it could serve as a much-needed boost given his less-than-ideal form this season.
Eden Hazard is one of the Real Madrid players who have vowed to stay at Santiago Bernabeu until the end of his contract. His current deal at the club expires in 2024.
Even though the Real Madrid star has been courted by several MLS and even the Saudi Arabian clubs, the forward has shown no desire to leave Bernabeu just yet. He wants to stay at the club even though Los Blancos are ready to sanction his sale this summer.
In the midst of this drama, a fresh report from Alfredo Matilla suggests Real Madrid are now considering terminating the contract of Eden Hazard.
This comes shortly after a report which claimed that a Real Madrid player who is not out of contract this summer, may shockingly leave the club this summer. Ferland Mendy was a potential candidate, but it appears Hazard has not been ruled out either.
The Belgian international has offered very little since joining from Chelsea in 2019 for a record-breaking €115 million fee. His spell at the Bernabeu has been marred by injuries, while the player has also struggled to impress when given the opportunities.
Inside the Real Madrid dressing room, there is both grief and resentment towards Belgian, who has remained steadfast in his decision to stay at the club. He has a good standing in the team due to his professionalism, but the Real Madrid bosses are determined to get rid of him this summer.
Hazard, after all, is the highest-paid player in the squad and his departure could open up a chunk of the space in the salary mass. But it must be noted that Real Madrid would have to spend a fortune to terminate Hazard’s contract.
Hence, it will be interesting to see whether or not Los Blancos end up splashing the cash in order to get Hazard out of their books this coming summer.
