Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran closing in on new contract with the club
Real Madrid had a very active summer transfer window, bringing in as many as seven players and also bringing back Jose Mourinho as manager.
Now, with the transfer window firmly shut, Los Blancos have shifted their focus to renewals for players in the first-team squad.
It was revealed earlier that the club were planning renewal talks with Thibaut Courtois, with the veteran shot-stopper in the final year of his contract.
Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, the Belgium international is closing in on a new contract with Real Madrid, with an agreement between the goalkeeper and the club now almost complete.
Courtois renewal now almost done
The Belgian’s current contractual situation made this an urgent matter for Madrid to address, but it looks like talks have progressed smoothly.
At his age, Courtois is no spring chicken, but as a goalkeeper, he can continue to perform at the highest level for a few more seasons.
The 34-year-old is at a stage of his career where it would make sense for both him and Madrid to take renewals season by season.
A one-year extension is said to be on the cards for Courtois. There is little reason for Los Blancos to complicate things as long as his form and fitness remain.
Madrid secure experience while planning for future
Courtois remains one of the senior pillars of Jose Mourinho’s squad and offers far more than shot-stopping ability.
His experience in major Champions League matches, authority inside the penalty area and composure under pressure remain enormously valuable to a Madrid team containing an increasingly young core.
Even against Inter Milan just a few days ago, the Belgian was the reason the Italian side failed to score more goals on the night.
At the same time, Madrid are already thinking about the longer-term future of the position. Javi Navarro is highly rated internally and the club see him as their future No. 1.
The sensible decision for Madrid
Renewing Courtois gives Madrid something particularly valuable: time.
There is no need to force a succession simply because the goalkeeper is entering the later stages of his career.
That said, it is very important for Los Blancos to have a succession plan in place, and that has a name right now: Navarro.
The agreement is not officially complete yet, but with the deal now reportedly almost done, Madrid appear close to securing another season of Courtois in goal.
It remains to be seen whether this will be the last extension the Belgian signs in his storied Madrid career or whether there are more renewals left.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
