Real Madrid News
Real Madrid keen on renewing exit-linked star after recent performances – report
After a brief period when things looked to be going downhill, Real Madrid have mounted a strong recovery over the past week or so, racking up three wins in a row across all competitions.
And a major factor in each of these victories has been midfielder Dani Ceballos. The 26-year-old came on as a substitute against Villarreal in Copa del Rey and scored the winning goal in the game that ended 3-2.
Rewarded with a start against Athletic Club in La Liga in the subsequent match, Ceballos put in another strong display to help Real Madrid secure a 2-0 victory at San Mames.
While he was axed from the starting XI against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals last night, Ceballos came on as a substitute again and sparked a change in the dynamics of the game.
The 26-year-old’s introduction was key to Carlo Ancelotti’s side mounting a comeback and securing a 3-1 win over Diego Simeone’s side.
And, according to journalist Sergio Santos, Ceballos’ recent performances have convinced Real Madrid to hand him a new contract and keep him at the club beyond the current season.
The former Real Betis midfielder’s current deal expires in the summer and so far there had been no indication that Los Blancos wish to hand him an extension.
It had led to speculations over the midfielder’s future, with several top clubs across Europe reportedly following his situation.
The report suggests that Ancelotti has been in favour of Ceballos’ renewal but the club wanted to see how he fares over the course of the season before offering him a new contract.
But, the recent performances have seemingly led to a radical switch in the Madrid offices, with the management now ready to table a fresh contract proposal.
Ceballos has always maintained that he wants to continue at the club. However, he will seek assurances over his game-time and role in the project before committing his future as he desires to play regularly and make a comeback to the Spanish national team.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
