Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City interested in Bayern Munich defender
Bayern Munich and France defender Benjamin Pavard has emerged as a target for European heavyweights Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Manchester United, reports 90 Min.
Pavard is entering the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich this summer. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has had a difficult time in Germany this season as he had a brief falling out with former manager Julian Nagelsmann, although he worked his way back into the team.
Recently, new manager Thomas Tuchel threw his weight behind the versatile defender, saying: “I don’t want to get involved in negotiations. He’s an underrated player. He can adapt at an extremely high level, defends with big discipline. He’s a top team player. He immediately got my trust and justified it. That should be a clear statement.”
Despite the vote of confidence from the new manager, Pavard’s future remains uncertain and Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United have all shown an interest in the 27-year-old.
Real Madrid are likely to enter the market for a new right-back this summer as concerns grow over Dani Carvajal’s longevity. Lucas Vazquez put in a good display this past weekend against Real Valladolid but is not a long-term solution with his contract expiring next year.
With a decision on Vinicius Tobias’ permanent purchase yet to be made, Los Blancos are looking at options outside the club to reinforce the right-back spot. Joao Cancelo, Juan Foyth, and Reece James are some of the names being linked with Pavard now joining the list.
But, they are joined by Manchester United and Manchester City in pursuit of the 27-year-old Frenchman. As per the report, all three clubs are aware of Pavard’s current situation in Bavaria and have asked to be kept in the loop over any future developments.
Bayern Munich, for their part, are understood to be keen on renewing his contract. But, the player and his agents have told the club that they wish to wait until the summer before making any decision.
The cloud of uncertainty over Karim Benzema’s future has served as a major headache for the Real Madrid board, as they kickstart their team planning ahead of the new season.
Recent reports claim the Frenchman is strongly considering a move to Saudi Arabia, after receiving a lucrative €150 million offer from Al Ittihad. He was close to renewing his contract at Santiago Bernabeu not too long ago, but it appears the tables have turned lately.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid are yet to give up on Benzema and still harbour hopes of renewing his contract in the coming weeks, reports Alfredo Matilla.
The Spanish journalist suggests Real Madrid have not closed the file on Benzema. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has recently met the forward to clarify his future and it appears the club are set to do everything they can to keep hold of the player.
Benzema’s departure, after all, could put the club in a major dilemma, where they must either sign a top-class striker or settle for a low-cost alternative for the entirety of next season.
Harry Kane has been earmarked as the ideal replacement for Benzema. But his acquisition could potentially jeopardise Real Madrid’s bid to sign either Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe in 2024. The club have also faced difficulties negotiating with Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman.
As far as the low-cost options are concerned, Real Madrid are interested in Roberto Firmino, who will become a free agent in the summer.
However, the Brazilian international is not the most productive striker around and his struggles in front of goal could put more pressure on players like Vinicius Junior next season.
Real Madrid, therefore, will hope to keep hold of Benzema’s services for another year. Unfortunately, though, the player has given a cold response so far and left training early, without speaking too much.
So it will be interesting to see whether or not the veteran striker opts to remain at Bernabeu for another year.
