Real Madrid News
Real Madrid set to battle with Manchester United over in-form goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois will go down as one of Real Madrid’s greatest goalkeepers ever. However, the past year has not been easy for the Belgian superstar by any means.
An ACL tear before the start of the 2023-24 season ruled the goalkeeper out of action for eight straight months. Just as it appeared he was close to a complete return, however, he suffered a gruesome meniscal tear.
Andriy Lunin has done superbly to cover for Courtois, but Real Madrid now see it as favourable to sign a new backup goalkeeper for next season.
Lunin’s contract expires next year and even though a renewal offer is made, the club will not stand in his way if the 25-year-old opts to leave. Preparing for that scenario, they are looking at possible replacements.
A gem in France
As revealed in a recent update by Fichajes, Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka as an option for the summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper spent the early years of his career with Chelsea’s under-21 side before making the switch to PSG in 2019. He then spent a good period on loan at various French clubs before finally settling at Nice.
Bulka is currently a regular starter for the Ligue 1 team and has 14 clean sheets in 26 starts. Further, he averages 2.2 saves per game and has been one of the pillars in Nice’s stunning league run.
Strong competition
While Real Madrid may be one of the most tempting options on Bulka’s table, they are not alone in the race to sign him.
Fichajes claim that Manchester United are closely following the goalkeeper’s situation as they hunt for a worthy successor to David De Gea.
Andre Onana has divided opinions in his first season at Old Trafford while Altay Bayindir is expected to leave in search of regular game-time, prompting their search for a new goalkeeper.
The coming summer could thus witness war between two European giants – Real Madrid and Manchester United – for the youngster’s signing. With his contract running until the summer of 2026, it may not prove to be a budget-friendly operation.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
