Real Madrid News
Real Madrid not planning any move for highly-rated Spanish midfielder amid transfer buzz
In contrast to recent speculation, it has come to light that Real Madrid are not planning a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish international, who has often been mentioned as a potential successor to some of Madrid’s veteran midfielders, is not on the club’s radar for the upcoming transfer windows.
Over the past few weeks, several reports had suggested that Madrid viewed Zubimendi as one of the best options available in the current market to control the midfield.
Many believed that the club had already made him a priority, considering his tactical intelligence and ability to dictate the tempo, qualities that seemed a natural fit for the club’s long-term midfield structure.
Madrid focused on other key areas
Despite their admiration for Zubimendi’s qualities, however, sources close to the club confirm that Real Madrid do not consider midfield reinforcements a priority right now.
They are reportedly satisfied with the depth they already have in that area, which includes elite talents like Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham.
Instead, the club is focusing its efforts on two other fronts. The first is the left-back position, with Alvaro Carreras from Benfica emerging as a top target.
However, the deal has hit a few snags due to the Portuguese side’s financial demands. Should the Carreras deal fall through, Madrid will look at alternative names for the position.
Meanwhile, the signing of young River Plate sensation Franco Mastantuono is also a major priority. Madrid already have an agreement in place, and the player is expected to join after the Club World Cup.
Lastly, another interesting situation is that of Nico Paz. Initially expected to return to Madrid, the club is now considering allowing him to spend another season on loan at Como in Italy to continue getting regular playing time.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
