Real Madrid News
Real Madrid in eight-way tussle for the signature of Lille forward
According to Fichajes, Real Madrid are among as many as eight clubs vying to sign LOSC Lille centre-forward Jonathan David in the summer.
The 22-year-old Canadian international made his name at Belgian outfit KRC Genk before earning a big-money move to Lille in the summer of 2020. The striker made an immediate impact, helping Les Dogues to the Ligue 1 title and has carried forward his form into the ongoing campaign.
David has netted 13 goals in Ligue 1 this term along with three more strikes in the UEFA Champions League while adding another in a cup tie. His performances have attracted serious interest from several clubs across Europe, with Real Madrid among them.
Los Blancos will need at least one new centre-forward in the summer despite the impending arrival of Kylian Mbappe. Both Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz are expected to be on their way out and Carlo Ancelotti needs a reliable cover for Karim Benzema.
Erling Haaland was on the radars of the La Liga leaders, but he seems set to join Manchester City. David, to that end, can be seen as an alternative for the Norwegian international.
However, Real Madrid will face competition from Barcelona, who are also pushing to sign the Canadian hitman as their pursuit of Haaland has hit the rocks. In addition, Liverpool, too, are looking at the Lille frontman amid question marks over the futures of Mohamed Salah, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi.
The likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan and Sevilla are all tracking David. So, Real Madrid will have to act swiftly if they wish to sign the 22-year-old in the summer window.
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.
