Real Madrid News
Real Madrid planning to raid Manchester City for €60 million-rated defender in 2023
Real Madrid are lining up a move for Manchester City and Portugal right-back Joao Cancelo in the summer of 2023, reports AS (h/t SPORT).
Cancelo signed for City in 2019 from Juventus and has quickly developed into one of the best full-backs in Europe. Even though he is primarily a right-back, the Portuguese international has played on the left more often than not for Pep Guardiola’s side and has impressed heavily.
So much so that Real Madrid have now set their sights on the ex-Benfica for a transfer in the summer window of 2023.
Los Blancos have one of the top right-backs in the world in Dani Carvajal as their first choice currently. But the Spaniard’s fitness problems over the past year have been no secret. And while Lucas Vazquez has done well as an understudy, he is not a natural in the position.
With Vinicius Tobias still lacking experience at the highest level, recruiting someone like Cancelo would be a big move from Real Madrid, as he would provide stiff competition to Carvajal and elevate the quality of the squad as a whole.
However, signing the 28-year-old from Manchester City will be easier said than done. Cancelo, whose market value is around €60 million, penned a new deal with the Premier League champions in February earlier this year that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2027.
Given that he is a vital component of Guardiola’s plans, the former Barcelona coach will not let the Portuguese international leave without a fight. So, only time will tell if Real Madrid are successful in their endeavours to try and swoop Cancelo away from Man City.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
