Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder’s continuity at club complicated as he seeks more prominent role
Carlo Ancelotti has recently admitted the complications over the future of some of the players whose contracts are expiring at the end of the season. The list of players includes Dani Ceballos, who looks likely to leave Santiago Bernabeu in the coming summer.
According to Jose Felix Diaz (h/t Madrid Xtra), Ceballos’ continuity at Real Madrid remains a difficult proposition for both parties. The player wants to earn a more prominent role in the senior side, but he might not find it at the Bernabeu.
The Spanish giants, after all, are weighing up a move for midfield sensation Jude Bellingham this summer. The Borussia Dortmund starlet has reportedly given farewell gifts to teammates and staff and looks all set to move to the Bernabeu this summer.
In addition, Real Madrid are set to keep hold of the services of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Both the veterans will extend their contracts until 2024, which could make it even more difficult for Ceballos to gain regular game time.
In order to gain more game-time, therefore, Ceballos must make a move elsewhere at the end of the season, adds Diaz.
The former Arsenal man has had no shortage of suitors either. A potential return to Real Betis has been mooted, but the player has also earned interest from other clubs across Spain as well as Italy.
Premier League outfit Aston Villa has been interested in acquiring his services as well. Their manager Unai Emery has worked with Ceballos during their time together at Arsenal. He will be keen on a reunion ahead of the new season.
Real Madrid, for their part, seem to have no other option but to allow the Spaniard to leave the club on a free transfer this summer. His departure may potentially force Los Blancos to enter the market for yet another midfielder, as they look to maintain depth in the middle of the park.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid full-back never considered summer exit, would retire at club if given chance
Ferland Mendy finds himself in a difficult situation at Real Madrid. The Frenchman has struggled with injury and fitness woes for a large part of the past year, leading to doubts over his future at the club.
In fact, it had been reported that Los Blancos were considering selling Mendy during the summer transfer window earlier this year itself.
But, such a move did not materialise and the 28-year-old has stayed put at the Santiago Bernabeu although reports suggest that he is likely to be on the move next year.
Mendy would retire at Real Madrid if he could
Despite there having been numerous reports about his future in the summer, The Athletic reports that Mendy did not consider the possibility of an exit at any point.
In fact, the report adds that if given a chance, the 28-year-old defender would retire at Real Madrid.
Mendy’s contract with Los Merengues expires in 2025 and he is understood to be seeking a renewal for a while now, but there has been no move made by the club.
The injuries that the 28-year-old has picked up are understood to be a major deterrent for Real Madrid, which is why they are already looking to reinforce the left-back position with Alphonso Davies next year.
Mendy enjoys Ancelotti’s trust
Despite the non-stop speculations surrounding him, Mendy continues to enjoy the full trust of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Indeed, as per the report, the Italian tactician has informed the Frenchman that he is the left-back that best fits the defensive requirements needed in the team.
Ancelotti’s decision to bench Fran Garcia in the UEFA Champions League game even though Mendy was unavailable and start David Alaba at left-back was taken as an indicator within the dressing room that the Frenchman remains the first-choice in the position.
So, it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds over the coming months, especially with Ancelotti’s future also uncertain as his contract expires in 2024.
