Real Madrid News
Real Madrid target with €25m exit clause set to agree long-term contract with Barcelona
Real Madrid have been busy in the transfer market even before the summer window is officially open. Two signings have already been confirmed and a third one is expected to be announced soon.
Business, though, is far from done as Real Madrid also intend to sign a new midfielder this summer. Meanwhile, a goalkeeper is also on the Merengues agenda, especially with Andriy Lunin staring at an uncertain future.
To that end, RCD Espanyol ace Joan Garcia, who enjoyed a splendid 2024/25 campaign, had been identified as a target by Real Madrid.
In fact, reports earlier this week revealed that Los Blancos had been in contact with his camp, asking him to wait before making a decision on his future.
Garcia headed to Barcelona
However, in what will come as a blow for Real Madrid, Fabrizio Romano reports that Joan Garcia and Barcelona are closing in on an agreement over a long-term contract.
The Blaugrana had been working on a deal for the 24-year-old for a while now and as per Romano the agreement between them and the player is very advanced and can be considered ‘almost done’.
Barcelona are intent on finalising the operation at the earliest possible so as to close the doors on any late hijack attempts from Garcia’s other suitors.
The Spanish shot-stopper has a €25 million release clause in his contract with Espanyol which Barcelona will need to be trigger once the personal terms are fully agreed upon.
As far as Real Madrid are concerned, this development seemingly ends any lingering hopes of signing Garcia as a replacement for Lunin.
The Ukrainian international, though, could still depart as his agent Jorge Mendes is looking for prospective buyers. It will be interesting to see who Los Blancos decide to sign if the 26-year-old says goodbye this summer.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
