Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hopeful veteran defender will sign a new contract
A recent report from Diario SPORT has offered an update on Real Madrid’s targets in the transfer market, coupled with the status of their existing stars.
It appears the club are looking for reinforcements across the board, including the defensive department. Signing a centre-back is not believed to be among the priorities, despite the uncertainties over the future of Nacho Fernandez.
The report suggests Real Madrid are hopeful of Nacho extending his contract. The veteran defender has been a fine servant for the club over the years, having featured in almost 300 competitive matches for the team.
Real Madrid value the efforts Nacho has made over the years and wants to keep him around for at least another season. His current deal at Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of the season, but the player has the option to renew his deal for one more year.
However, if the recent reports in Spanish media are anything to go by, it appears Nacho’s future at Real Madrid is far from secure. The player is reportedly having second thoughts over his decision to renew the contract, knowing his role at the club has dwindled since the arrival of Antonio Rudiger.
The veteran has featured in just 141 minutes of league football so far this season. His role in the team could dwindle even more as players such as Rudiger, David Alaba and Eder Militao further consolidate their position as the defensive leaders at the club.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid remain confident Nacho will extend the contract, even though the Spaniard is likely to be approached by other clubs across Europe. The coming month could be a crucial one, as far as the defender’s future is concerned.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
