Real Madrid News
Real Madrid interested in Bundesliga trio, including €85 million-rated Barcelona target
The summer of 2024 could bring in a sea of change at Real Madrid as manager Carlo Ancelotti could be on his way out, with his contract expiring.
On top of that, there could be changes in the roster as well, with veterans like Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Nacho Fernandez also seeing their contracts run down.
Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen has been identified as the main target to take over from Ancelotti as the new manager of Real Madrid.
The Spaniard’s credentials have been further boosted by Leverkusen’s blistering start to the ongoing campaign.
However, along with the manager of the Bundesliga club, Real Madrid may have an eye on some of the players excelling for Die Werkself.
Real Madrid eyeing Frimpong, Wirtz, and Boniface
Indeed, as per SPORT, Real Madrid are monitoring as many as three Bayer Leverkusen players in the form of Florian Wirtz, Victor Boniface, and Jeremie Frimpong.
Even though Dani Carvajal is enjoying a brilliant start to the season, Real Madrid need to find a long-term successor for the right-back, with Frimpong emerging as a target.
The 22-year-old Dutchman, who is contracted with Leverkusen until 2028, has excelled under the tutelage of Alonso and could cost around €45 million.
Meanwhile, Boniface is quickly emerging as one of the most prolific young goalscorers in Europe, having only joined Leverkusen during the summer.
The 22-year-old Nigerian has netted 11 goals and set up six more from 16 games in all competitions. He, too, is contracted with the Bundesliga club and would command a transfer fee of around €40 million.
Finally, Wirtz is a player who is attracting widespread interest from top clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid and their arch-rivals, Barcelona.
Having put behind his injury troubles, the German wonderkid has hit top form this term, racking up six goals and ten assists from 17 games.
Signing Wirtz, though, will not be straightforward given his contract runs until 2027, and his starting price would be around €85 million.
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
🆚 @en_sscnapoli #UCL pic.twitter.com/MarLb7TavA
Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
