Real Madrid News
Real Madrid met Chelsea, Liverpool target’s entourage in December, think player is out of reach
Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig is a player that is likely to spark a major transfer war in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Croatian international is one of the most in-demand defenders as elite clubs from Europe have taken an interest in him.
Indeed, the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Juventus, and Real Madrid are all understood to be admirers of the towering centre-half, according to The Athletic.
The links to Real Madrid have been persisting for some time now, with Los Blancos having been impressed by the 21-year-old’s exploits for club and country.
In fact, the report states that the Spanish champions even held a meeting with Gvardiol’s entourage in December last year, right after the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, where he was one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
However, the report goes on to add that Real Madrid believe that Gvardiol is out of their reach at the moment.
It is because the Spanish giants would be unwilling to meet the financial demands of RB Leipzig for the defensive monster next summer. With Jude Bellingham also on the agenda, there is a feeling that they cannot go big on two different players in a single window.
And, given the financial might of Premier League clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City, who can and are willing to meet Leipzig’s valuation, Real Madrid have doubts about whether they stand a chance in the race for the 21-year-old.
Furthermore, there is also a feeling that there is no immediate need for reinforcements in the centre-back department, where they have Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba, while the club is also working to renew Nacho Fernandez.
So, while there may be interest in Gvardiol from Real Madrid, a summer move seems unlikely at this point due to the financial commitments that would be required and the competition from the Premier League heavyweights.
Jose Felix Diaz has reported via MARCA that Real Madrid want a major change in the Spanish refereeing system.
The reporter writes that the team from the Spanish capital has taken the issue as their top priority mostly because of what happened in the recent derby defeat against Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos are determined to relentlessly steer a significant overhaul of the refereeing structure, and they have no intention of resting in their pursuit.
Their discontent comes not only from recent events, particularly the contentious derby match but also from a deep-seated frustration with the state of refereeing itself.
Real Madrid not hiding their discontent
The journalist mentions that Real Madrid are unapologetic about their continuous criticism of the refereeing community, firmly believing that a transformation is of utmost importance.
Even prior to the emergence of the Negreira case, the Merengues had been vocal about their dissatisfaction with those responsible for overseeing the refereeing unit.
For what it is worth, the revelation of the former vice president of the CTA’s financial ties to Barcelona only solidified Real Madrid’s resolve to advocate for a complete overhaul in referee management.
Real Madrid are suspicious
Real Madrid firmly assert that any influence from Negreira’s historical decisions in certain key positions raises suspicions about the fairness of the competition.
For that, the management will do everything in its power to achieve a certain level of transparency within the organization that it believes is currently overshadowed by historical baggage.
As of today, Real Madrid continue to voice their concerns through their official channels.
Right now their ultimate goal is to eliminate the involvement of Clos Gomez in VAR decisions, marking the beginning of a long-standing battle they are fighting.
