Real Madrid News
Real Madrid president could end Harry Kane pursuit to sign €180m superstar in 2024
For as big a club as Real Madrid are, the financial limits apply equally to them. The Merengues, just like any other club in the world, have restrictions over their expenditure which force them to prioritise and make harsh decisions.
According to reports from Alfredo Matilla, Florentino Perez is about to make one such course-altering decision ahead of the 2023-24 campaign and Carlo Ancelotti is not very happy with it.
Harry Kane has been Real Madrid’s top target since Karim Benzema announced his departure. With no central striker in their ranks, the need for an able finisher is dire.
The situation has changed and Perez no longer prioritises the English striker’s arrival this summer. According to the journalist, the president wishes to wait for another season and directly pursue Kylian Mbappe as a free agent in 2024.
There is belief in the offices at the Santiago Bernabeu that the Frenchman will not extend his deal with PSG until 2025 and that he will be willing to join Los Blancos next summer. In fact, the report adds that Mbappe is sending signals that give Perez hope.
From the time the World Cup winner’s move to Real Madrid broke down in 2022, people from the administration have been in constant contact with the player and his entourage. Finally, it appears to have come to fruition.
Perez thus sees a massive investment in Harry Kane now to be unnecessary. Ancelotti, however, is surprisingly not a fan of the idea.
Looking ahead to the 2023-24 campaign, Real Madrid have only Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes to count on in the final third.
The club will undoubtedly sign a low-cost replacement striker this month, but that will not be enough to steer the ship for a club of Los Blancos’ stature for an entire season.
However, it seems like the club president might decide against going after Kane as he has a strong desire to sign Mbappe next year.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar returns from the break in top form after stellar displays with national team
Jude Bellingham has been undisputedly one of the star performers in the UEFA Nations League so far, in this international break.
Bellingham started with a valiant effort in the defeat to Spain, before starring in the 7-0 win over Croatia. Last night, he was on fire once again, helping England secure a 3-0 victory over Czechia.
As club football resumes this weekend, it is fair to say that Bellingham will be one of the most in-form players at Real Madrid.
Bellingham on fire
Bellingham’s spectacular form has continued throughout the international break, with the midfielder registering one goal and four assists in four matches for England.
The standout display came against Croatia, where he produced a goal and three assists in the emphatic 7-0 win.
He made England history with that four-goal contribution, creating five chances and completing four dribbles while boasting a 100 percent pass accuracy.
Against Spain, he was comfortably England’s best player, assisting Anthony Gordon’s opener and leading the attacks.
In the final game against the Czech Republic, it was Harry Kane who stole the show with a brace on his record-equalling 125th cap, but Bellingham once again started as an undisputed figure in Tuchel’s side.
The Englishman has shown no signs of his form being a mirage, having rediscovered his best since being handed a free attacking role.
A key figure for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s resurgence is a hugely positive sign for Real Madrid, who have struggled for consistency this season.
Operating as a number 10 with freedom to roam, the 22-year-old has already scored three goals for the club, making him the second-highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe, while also leading the team for assists.
His current scoring rate of one every 206 minutes is not far off his brilliant debut campaign.
That form has drawn widespread praise, with Roy Keane tipping him to become one of the greatest of all time, while Jermaine Defoe backed him to become England’s next captain.
For Jose Mourinho, having Bellingham firing on all cylinders is a massive boost. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the Englishman’s leadership and quality could prove decisive as Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona.
