Real Madrid News
Real Madrid set to table renewal offer to Spanish ace amidst impressive form
A latest report from MARCA has offered a comprehensive update on Real Madrid’s preparation for the season ahead, with the club specifically focusing on player contracts.
With so many players having their contracts expiring at the end of the season, it will be imperative for the club to hand them new deals, especially to players who are undisputed members of the first-team.
The likes of Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos, therefore, are slated to receive renewals. But the report also suggests that Dani Ceballos will receive a renewal as well.
This is because the former Arsenal starlet has surprised everyone with his performances since the turn of the year. He has become a mainstay for Real Madrid in the middle of the park, having notably started all of the last four league matches.
Although Real Madrid do not see him as an undisputed starter in the long run, they are going to hand him a renewal. It is an idea that seemed unthinkable a few months ago.
But in line with Real Madrid’s policy, they are offering contracts strictly based on performances and are not ruling out an extension for any player, except perhaps Mariano Diaz. Ceballos is one of the players who stand to gain.
However, it will be interesting to see how the events unfold in the coming weeks, knowing Ceballos might want regular game-time. Not to mention, he has been targeted by a few top clubs across Europe, including cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid.
On top of that, Real Madrid are prioritising a summer move for Jude Bellingham, whose potential arrival at the Bernabeu could dwindle Ceballos’ role in the first-team. Hence, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Spaniard this summer.
According to reports from Mario Cortegana (h/t Madrid Zone), Real Madrid have two objectives for the upcoming summer transfer window. The centre-forward and the right-wing position are seen as the two positions to be reinforced but no decision has been made yet about making a move.
This comes over and above the Merengues’ pre-existing need for new midfielders and full-backs in the coming windows.
At first sight, it may appear that Los Blancos are well stacked in the final third. In Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema and Rodrygo Goes, they have three starting quality players who are well-complemented by the likes of Marco Asensio and Federico Valverde.
Yet, Vinicius is the only player on the aforementioned list who can boast of a starting role in a fixed position for at least the next decade.
There is worry over the centre-forward role considering Benzema’s lack of form and fitness throughout the current campaign. With the Ballon d’Or winner already 35, the club need a young reinforcement soon which is evident with the team’s struggle for goals this term.
Los Blancos have already invested heavily in Endrick in this regard. However, that has not stopped them from following established options like Dusan Vlahovic and Erling Haaland as their Brazilian wonderkid will not arrive until 2024.
The right wing is also understaffed despite the presence of young Rodrygo and Fede Valverde. The duo have no dearth of talent but have not managed to click on the wing as well as the manager would have liked.
Thus, it remains to be seen as to who the club targets to strengthen the wing and aim to stretch the play. Given the heavy investment planned for Jude Bellingham, a low-cost option is likely to be considered.
