Real Madrid News
Real Madrid third summer signing will undergo his medical exam today
Even as Real Madrid prepare for the shock departure of Casemiro to Manchester United, they could welcome a new signing into the club imminently.
According to journalist Sergio Santos, teenage sensation Iker Bravo is set to have his medical today to complete his transfer from German club Bayer Leverkusen to Real Madrid.
The 17-year-old prodigy came through the youth ranks at Los Blancos’ arch-rivals Barcelona but left La Masia for Leverkusen last summer. He made his first-team debut for the Bundesliga outfit last season but largely played for their U-17 and U-19 sides, making a huge impression.
Bravo’s potential and performances in Germany have now earned him a swift move back to his homeland, with a move to Real Madrid all but completed. The reigning Spanish and European champions fought off interest from neighbours Atletico Madrid to clinch his signing.
As per the report, the teenage striker will be joining the Merengues on a season-long loan with an option to purchase. The two clubs have already reached full agreement over the transfer and he will complete his medical sometime today.
However, an official confirmation might be delayed by a few days due to some process involving FIFA.
Bravo, once he arrives, would be expected to slot in with Real Madrid’s Castilla outfit under club legend Raul Gonzalez.
However, given the lack of options in the No. 9 role behind Karim Benzema in the first-team setup, there could be an outside chance that the teenager gets a look-in into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at some stage of the season.
Real Madrid News
U-turn? Benzema hints at Real Madrid stay during ceremony: “Reality is not the internet”
There has been a lot of talk around Karim Benzema’s situation over the course of the last week or so, with reports claiming that the Frenchman was on his way out of the Santiago Bernabeu.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it was reported that Benzema was joining Al Ittihad as part of an incredible deal worth nearly €200 million. The striker was also offered 100% of his image rights and advertising deals by the Saudi government.
Over the last day or so, it has been reported that the move is all but official at the moment, as Benzema has accepted the offer, and will soon inform Real Madrid about it.
Benzema was awarded the MARCA Leyenda awards for contribution to sports today, and speaking during it, he dropped a rather cryptic message about his future – one that says quite the opposite to what has been in the news recently.
“Speak to the fans? Speak about what? Why should I speak of the future if I’m in Madrid?”, Benzema said.
“It’s the internet speaking, and reality is not the internet,” he added.
This certainly falls away from the departure line for Benzema, who was reportedly already contemplating his life away from Madrid.
At first, though, he was hesitant about speaking about his future, saying, “Staying or leaving Real Madrid? At the moment, I’m here…we have a game on Saturday.”
He repeatedly talked about the fans, calling them the best in world football. He also said, “I know how much Real Madrid fans love me. I feel that when I’m on the pitch, I give my best for them, always.”
“I always say that we play with 11 on the pitch but also with a crucial factor, Real Madrid fans,” Benzema concluded.
