Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder speaks on his expiring contract: “I want to enjoy”
Real Madrid have their work cut out for them in the summer transfer market as they look to plug holes in the team. Ideally, Florentino Perez would try to bring in a right and left-back each, another central defender, a midfielder, a right-winger, and a backup striker.
There are a fair few names cut out and linked to Madrid in each position, like Jude Bellingham in midfield, Josko Gvardiol as a centre-back, Fran Garcia as a right-back, and the likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Richarlison as centre-forward options.
Obviously, pulling off all these signings – and more -, will be quite a task for Madrid. Especially when they will have one eye on the contracts that are expiring this summer.
Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos, and Marco Asensio are all set to become free agents. Madrid are yet to confirm extensions for any of them, but talks have been held with them, if reports are to be believed.
Ceballos opened up on his contract situation, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
“I have three months left on my contract — then I will speak to the right people, also to my family,” he said.
“I want to enjoy, so I don’t want a new contract if I don’t deserve that, I don’t want to join another club if I don’t deserve that”.
Madrid are internally happy to offer Ceballos a new contract as they are happy with his performances in the second half of the season. He has managed to step up in midfield while Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga have been inconsistent.
In fact, Ceballos was recognised by the Santiago Bernabeu after their 4-0 win, receiving a round of applause when substituted off. Carlo Ancelotti also held the midfielder in high praise after this game.
“He is doing what a footballer has to do – being professional, disciplined and making the most of the time I am giving him. He’s doing a fantastic job and we’re delighted with him. For the Bernabéu to recognise it does him the world of good.”
Recent reports have stated that Ceballos will be offered a new three-year deal worth €5 million per season. The decision to put pen to paper is entirely up to the Spaniard, though, especially considering that minutes will continue to be far and few in between.
In a positive update, Real Madrid defender David Alaba is set to return from his injury by making an appearance for the Austrian national team against Estonia later tonight, confirms Sergio Quirante.
Alaba has been out of action for over a month now, after picking up an injury during Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg tie against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Austrian international had been making progress in training at the club but was not ready in time for the Clasico against Barcelona on March 19.
Despite the injury, Alaba travelled to join the Austrian national team during the current international break.
And, according to the report from Sergio Quirante, the Real Madrid ace has good feelings after training with his national team. Having had several sessions under his belt now, the versatile defender is all set to make his return later tonight.
Austria will face off against Estonia in their second UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers Group F encounter later tonight and Alaba is in line to get some minutes against the minnows.
What remains to be seen is whether manager Ralf Rangnick opts to start the former Bayern Munich superstar on the night or introduces him as a substitute in the latter stages of the game.
Alaba’s imminent return will be good news for Real Madrid, who have a series of important matches coming up after the international break as they look to salvage their season.
Following the loss to Barcelona earlier this month, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are now 12 points off the top of the table in La Liga and are pretty much out of the equation to retain the title. They are also training the Catalans 1-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-finals while Chelsea await in the Champions League quarter-finals.
