Real Madrid News
Real Madrid outcast wanted by Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma in January
The FIFA World Cup 2022 has stolen the limelight in the football world and it goes without saying that eyes across the globe are fixated on the event in Qatar. Yet, there is no break for Real Madrid’s offices as they continue to work hard through the lean period to simplify the state of affairs at the club.
The winter transfer window is scheduled to begin in just over a month. While Los Blancos are unlikely to sign any new players in January, one would expect some departures from the bench.
One of the players with the highest chances to leave is Alvaro Odriozola, given that he has not made a single appearance for the club this term.
And, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma have entered the race for the right-back and wish to incorporate him into their roster in the coming window.
The 26-year-old is no stranger to the Serie A, having played at Fiorentina on loan last season before he returned to Madrid hoping to win the manager’s trust.
Four months into the new season, it is clear that Ancelotti does not rate him highly, with the right-back being the only player in the senior squad yet to play a single minute of football this season.
And an exit would be in Odriozola’s best interest too. Roma will have to battle it out with their domestic rivals Juventus for his signing, with the Bianconeri said to be keen on the former Real Sociedad defender as well.
Odriozola’s contract with Real Madrid runs until the summer of 2024. With just a year and a half left on his deal, Florentino Perez will look to speed up the negotiations and offload the player, who does not seem to be a part of Ancelotti’s plans at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
