Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify three potential replacements for exit-bound 24-year-old star
According to a report from AS, Real Madrid could be preparing for more exits this summer, having already parted ways with several players such as Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard, and Mariano Diaz.
Out-of-favour right-back Alvaro Odriozola is one of the players who could leave in the coming weeks, amid interest from Basque outfits Athletic Club and Real Sociedad.
And another player who could be on his way out before the next season starts is backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
The 24-year-old Ukrainian international has been at the club for five years, but has found game-time extremely hard to come by thanks to Thibaut Courtois’ imperious displays in goal. As such, Los Blancos believe that the goalkeeper is likely to depart in search of regular game-time.
In preparation for Lunin’s potential departure, Real Madrid plan to bring in a seasoned campaigner who can provide cover for Courtois and be okay with being the second-choice shot-stopper at the Santiago Bernabeu.
To that end, AS claims that the Merengues have already identified three potential candidates as replacements for Lunin, which includes two former academy prospects from the Spanish capital outfit.
The three players being lined up as replacements for the Ukrainian by Real Madrid are David Soria of Getafe, Fernando Pacheco of RCD Espanyol, and Stole Dimitrievski of Rayo Vallecano.
Soria, 30, spent several years at Real Madrid before leaving for Leicester City in 2012. He had a stint at Sevilla before signing for Getafe in 2018. However, his time at the Madrilenian outfit could be coming to an end, with some reports even suggesting that he has agreed personal terms with Los Blancos.
Pacheco is another player who spent time at Real Madrid, having come through their academy ranks. The 31-year-old left the Merengues in 2015 and had spells at Alaves and Almeria before signing for Espanyol in January earlier this year. However, following their relegation he could follow teammate Joselu to Real Madrid.
Finally, Dimitrievski is also an option for the Spanish capital giants given that the 29-year-old’s current contract with Rayo Vallecano expires next year.
A report from MARCA highlights that Real Madrid could bring in a new goalkeeper even if Lunin decides to stay, which would push the Ukrainian to the third-choice slot. It remains to be seen how the record European champions restructure their goalkeeping department.
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
