Real Madrid News
Real Madrid uninterested in renewing forward despite his willingness to reduce salary
Real Madrid are gearing up for a summer of change in 2023. With multiple players set to run down their contracts at the end of the season, the club have their task cut out in their bid to keep hold of those stars.
However, not every one of them will be retained, with players such as Mariano Diaz and Dani Ceballos looking at an uncertain future at Santiago Bernabeu.
A recent report from ABC Deportes (h/t Madrid Xtra) has offered an update on the future of Diaz. The forward, whose current contract at the Bernabeu expires at the end of the season, has fallen out of favour under Carlo Ancelotti, with very little role in the first team.
Diaz has indeed featured in a total of just 20 minutes of league football this term even though Real Madrid had gotten rid of Luka Jovic in the summer. He has fallen behind the likes of Karim Benzema, Rodrygo, and Marco Asensio in the pecking order.
The report suggests Diaz is looking for a contract extension with Real Madrid despite his apparent struggles. It appears the forward’s agents have tried multiple times in the past to convince Los Blancos to hand him a renewal.
The player is even willing to take up a significant salary cut in his bid to remain at Santiago Bernabeu and fight for his place in the Real Madrid setup.
However, the club have been swift in turning back those attempts. They are clear about their intention of not renewing the contract of Diaz, who might be even available for sale in the upcoming January transfer window.
With his contract expiring in the summer, this will be an excellent opportunity for Real Madrid to cash in on Diaz and generate some amount of revenue.
Real Madrid News
Atletico striker hoping Bellingham has an off day during derby: “He is at a great level”
Speaking to DAZN (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Atletico Madrid forward Alvaro Morata admitted that Real Madrid midfield superstar Jude Bellingham is performing at a great level.
Real Madrid take on Atletico in La Liga on Sunday in the Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano and without a doubt, Bellingham will pose a huge threat for the Rojiblancos.
Alvaro Morata hopes Bellingham as a quiet outing
Ahead of the blockbuster encounter on Sunday, Morata, who is Atletico’s main striker, admitted that Bellingham has great quality.
“I saw him last year in a few games, the truth is that he caught my attention. I saw him in his team and in his national team, and talking to people who had played with him, teammates he has, you could already see that he was a great player,” he said.
However, the former Real Madrid striker added that he hoped that the England international has an off day during the derby.
“The truth is that he is at a great level, we can only hope that he doesn’t do well and that we also have very good players to counteract that. We hope he doesn’t have a good day on Sunday,” Morata stated.
Bellingham fit and ready to go
Bellingham has been the in-form player for Real Madrid this season with six goals and an assist in six matches across all competitions.
So, naturally, there were concerns when he did not complete the training sessions on Friday due to stomach issues.
But, the 20-year-old returned to training today and Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that he will play against Atleti tomorrow, with the Englishman named in the squad list as well.
