Real Madrid News
Real Madrid president remains uninformed about legend striker’s decision on his future
The most recent development in the Karim Benzema transfer saga has left fans puzzled. The Frenchman appeared to be on his way out of Real Madrid after receiving an irresistible offer from Al-Ittihad. However, his recent interview has once again left the door open to him staying.
When asked about his future during, Benzema dropped a cryptic hint towards his future. He refused to rule out the possibility of him staying and went on to call stories on the internet false.
“Speak to the fans? Speak about what? Why should I speak of the future if I’m in Madrid? It’s the internet speaking, and reality is not the internet.”
According to reports from Spanish outlet Diario AS, Benzema has not communicated his desire to leave the club to the administrators. No one in Real Madrid believes that the Frenchman will leave without telling Florentino Perez, and there appears to be optimism once again at the club offices.
At the moment, the Ballon d’Or winner has both options on his table. The offer from Saudi Arabia promises him a lucrative contract with all the luxuries of his choice while Real Madrid offers him another season of competitive and European football.
Benzema will likely not reveal any decision over his future until Real Madrid play their final La Liga game of the season later this week. After all, the Frenchman may be masking the offer from Saudi to maintain peace ahead of the team’s final game.
Benzema’s continuity would be a blessing for Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, given that the club has no direct replacement. If the French star decides to leave, however, options like Roberto Firmino could be considered.
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.
