Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran close to leaving the club with Qatar likely destination – report
Real Madrid are all set for a major squad overhaul in the coming summer, with the club’s hierarchy not too happy with the performances of multiple star players in the team.
The likes of Raul Asencio and Dani Ceballos are likely to find themselves on the chopping block, with the latter already attracting interest from Ajax.
But while Real Madrid are open to selling these players, there are also stars who may leave on account of their contract expiration. And one of them is Dani Carvajal.
Carvajal set to leave Real Madrid
According to Jorge Picon, Carvajal is set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, once his contract at Santiago Bernabeu comes to an end.
The veteran defender was considered a key cog in Real Madrid’s defence due to his vast experience and leadership.
But he has had a disastrous season, marred by injuries and fitness problems. This is coupled with the addition of Trent Alexander-Arnold, which has significantly reduced his importance in the team.
Having already turned 34, Real Madrid are no longer in a position to guarantee him regular game time. And that is not something Carvajal is willing to accept. As such, he will leave the club this summer.
Move to Qatar likely
The report adds that Carvajal is likely to join Qatar as he looks to take the last step in his illustrious career.
It has been reported in the past that the Spaniard could join Al Gharafa following in the footsteps of his brother-in-law, close friend and former Real Madrid striker, Joselu.
Carvajal, in the past, has already travelled to Qatar to meet up with Joselu, and this time around, and how he could end up moving to the country at the end of the season.
Real Madrid can’t seem to catch a break, as far as La Liga is concerned.
After a defeat to Atletico Madrid, where the referee made a few controversial calls, Real Madrid’s recent game against Villarreal was also mired in controversy, after Vinicius Jr. was sent off and his goal disallowed.
The Brazilian now faces the possibility of facing a lengthened suspension that could rule him out of El Clasico later this month.
Real Madrid frustrated over kickoff time vs Valencia
Now, Real Madrid have found themselves another issue, this time regarding the kickoff time for their upcoming La Liga game.
According to AS, Real Madrid are unhappy with the slot LaLiga has handed them for their Matchday 12 meeting with Valencia.
Madrid face AEK Athens in the Champions League on Wednesday, November 4 at 6:45 PM, only for LaLiga to then schedule the Valencia clash for Saturday, November 7 at 9:00 PM.
With the squad set to land back in the capital in the early hours, Mourinho’s men will have little more than Thursday and Friday to prepare for a Valencia side that has proven stubborn of late.
Club sources describe “enormous unease and surprise” at the decision, precisely because it hits the players so directly.
Rivals handed the kinder draw
The frustration deepens when Madrid look across at their title rivals.
Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal all play their European fixtures a day earlier, on Tuesday, November 3, and then feature in LaLiga on Sunday, November 8.
Betis, who travel to Borussia Dortmund on the Wednesday, are likewise handed a Sunday slot.
That leaves Real Madrid as the only one of the five Spanish sides in Europe forced to play on the Saturday, surrendering a full day of recovery to their competitors.
From the dressing room’s point of view, there is no logic to it. With an international break following that weekend, and no midweek European or Cup commitments to juggle, Madrid see no reason the game could not have been pushed to Sunday.
