Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify Italian international as the ‘ideal alternative’ for Bellingham
Real Madrid are forecasting a major overhaul in the summer of 2023, especially in the midfield department where players such as Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos and Luka Modric are all facing an uncertain future at the club.
With that in mind, Real Madrid have been targeting reinforcements in the midfield unit. One of the club’s priority targets is Jude Bellingham.
The Borussia Dortmund starlet is regarded as one of the most talented young players in the world, and it appears Madrid have identified as an ideal long-term replacement for the ageing Modric.
Another target for Real Madrid is Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine international was one of the rising stars in the World Cup and played a crucial role in helping the Albiceleste secure the coveted trophy.
However, with both young midfielders set to cost a fortune, Real Madrid have started the process of finding alternatives in the market. According to Diario AS, the club have already earmarked Manuel Locatelli as one of the options.
Locatelli, who was one of Italy’s best performers during their Euro 2020 triumph, currently plies his trade with Juventus. Real Madrid see him as a ‘plan C’ as far as their attempt to reinforce the midfield unit is concerned.
Although the Italian international has struggled to impress since joining Juventus in 2021, he does have the skillset and can offer similar qualities such as Bellingham or Fernandez. At the age of just 24, the midfielder can be considered a future prospect as well.
What makes Locatelli even more appealing target for Real Madrid is that the Italian will not cost a fortune, at least when compared to Bellingham and Fernandez. Juventus, for one, had signed the player for a fee of around €37.5 million.
Real Madrid will likely to have to fork out a similar figure in order to get hold of the former AC Milan starlet. However, it remains to be seen whether or not Real Madrid are willing to bet on a player, who has largely struggled to make his presence felt at Juventus.
Jose Felix Diaz has reported via MARCA that Real Madrid want a major change in the Spanish refereeing system.
The reporter writes that the team from the Spanish capital has taken the issue as their top priority mostly because of what happened in the recent derby defeat against Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos are determined to relentlessly steer a significant overhaul of the refereeing structure, and they have no intention of resting in their pursuit.
Their discontent comes not only from recent events, particularly the contentious derby match but also from a deep-seated frustration with the state of refereeing itself.
Real Madrid not hiding their discontent
The journalist mentions that Real Madrid are unapologetic about their continuous criticism of the refereeing community, firmly believing that a transformation is of utmost importance.
Even prior to the emergence of the Negreira case, the Merengues had been vocal about their dissatisfaction with those responsible for overseeing the refereeing unit.
For what it is worth, the revelation of the former vice president of the CTA’s financial ties to Barcelona only solidified Real Madrid’s resolve to advocate for a complete overhaul in referee management.
Real Madrid are suspicious
Real Madrid firmly assert that any influence from Negreira’s historical decisions in certain key positions raises suspicions about the fairness of the competition.
For that, the management will do everything in its power to achieve a certain level of transparency within the organization that it believes is currently overshadowed by historical baggage.
As of today, Real Madrid continue to voice their concerns through their official channels.
Right now their ultimate goal is to eliminate the involvement of Clos Gomez in VAR decisions, marking the beginning of a long-standing battle they are fighting.
