Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ‘like’ South American midfielder, but valuation seen as too high
Enzo Fernandez finds himself as one of the most talked-about footballer in recent days following his stunning goal for Argentina against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup 2022.
The 21-year-old joined SL Benfica from River Plate in the summer window and has settled down very well in Europe. Having impressed with the Portuguese outfit, he has managed to carry that form to the World Cup as well.
And, naturally, Fernandez’s breakthrough in Europe has caught the attention of several top clubs across the continent, including Real Madrid.
The Merengues had their sights on the Argentine star last summer as well, but were focused on signing Aurelien Tchouameni instead. However, they have now reset their focus on the 21-year-old midfielder, according to MARCA.
Reports suggest that Fernandez is being seen as an ideal Plan B by Real Madrid in case they miss out on the capture of primary midfield target Jude Bellingham.
However, while Real Madrid like Enzo Fernandez, they deem his valuation to be ‘too much’.
MARCA indicates that the 21-year-old could become the most expensive Argentine in the history of football, eclipsing the €90 million Juventus had paid to Napoli to sign Gonzalo Higuain.
The report states that Fernandez’s release clause amount is set at €120 million, although he could be available for €100 million. And that figure is deemed too high by Real Madrid at the moment.
“He is a player to settle at Real Madrid for 10 years,” people close to the 21-year-old have told MARCA. However, as things stand, Los Blancos consider his signing as a very distant possibility because of his price tag.
Real Madrid News
Key Real Madrid star will be fit for Valladolid clash despite national team withdrawal
Real Madrid have been greeted with some positive news on the injury front as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to be fit and ready for the upcoming La Liga clash against Real Valladolid.
The 30-year-old custodian had flown away for national team duty with Belgium and played the full game against Sweden last week. However, the Real Madrid ace was sent back to the club over the weekend due to a minor adductor strain.
This raised concerns over the former Chelsea star’s condition, especially with a busy period lying ahead for the Merengues.
However, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic has eased any nerves surrounding his situation, reporting that Courtois was subjected to tests upon returning to Spain and there is no reason for worry.
The report states that Real Madrid expect their No. 1 to be fit and available for their next game which will be against Real Valladolid in La Liga on April 2, Sunday.
It is further stated that the knock Courtois sustained was not a new one and that the 30-year-old had felt discomfort in the same area during Los Blancos’ UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie against Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month.
Courtois has featured 32 times across all competitions this term, having missed a few matches due to fitness issues. He has managed just ten clean sheets and will be hoping to add to that against Valladolid, now that is reportedly fit to feature at the weekend.
In another boost, reports earlier today indicated that Toni Kroos does not have any injury after concerns were raised due to the midfielder doing individual training sessions over the past week.
