Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran on the radars of Inter Milan, MLS clubs
Nacho Fernandez has been everything Real Madrid could ask of a defender. The Spanish international has been committed to the badge with his all and is one of, if not the most professional player at the club.
The defender’s contract runs out in June after which he will be able to depart as a free agent. Los Blancos wish for him to stay as they see him as an integral member of the squad, but the renewal does not appear close to materialising.
While Nacho has admitted to being comfortable at the Spanish club, the fact of the matter is that he is not entirely pleased with his minor role in the team. At 33 years of age, he does not have much time left in his career and wishes to make the most of it by playing as a regular starter.
That dream cannot be a reality at Real Madrid. In David Alaba, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger, the competition is just too steep for Nacho to fight. An exit, thus, looks likely.
According to reports from Mario Cortegana, the centre-back has no shortage of options on his table. Nacho has several suitors in the MLS who assure him of a prominent role on the field. If he chooses to stay in Europe, Inter Milan stands as a likely destination given the Nerazzuri’s interest in his profile.
The 33-year-old has started 17 La Liga games for Real Madrid this season out of the 24 he has participated in. Yet, many of those encounters have seen him deployed as a full-back as opposed to his conventional preference of the centre-back position.
Nacho has overseen seven clean sheets for Real Madrid in the league this year and averages over six defensive actions per game. Further, he has scored one goal and provided one assist.
Real Madrid hope to resolve the future of Nacho as well as Dani Ceballos in the coming week and it remains to be seen what the defender decides with regard to his future.
Journalist Arancha Rodriguez has claimed that Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz played the Las Palmas game with a dislocation in his right shoulder, which actually happened last Sunday during the derby match against Atletico Madrid.
The news was later confirmed by the forward’s father, Sufiel Abdekalder, who told The Athletic, “Yes [he had dislocated shoulder], but we didn’t want it to be public. Our 100% focus was on the match.”
The former AC Milan loanee started his first game of the season and it was his goal that marked the beginning of Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Las Palmas.
The 24-year-old was later replaced in the 57th minute but by then, the Los Blancos had already established a two-goal lead.
“I’m so proud, you can’t describe the feeling, it’s something unique. I can only thank the fans because I’ve had an incredible welcome. I’m very happy to be here and play for this badge,” the forward said after the game.
Special outing for Diaz
The Las Palmas game was the first time that Diaz started a game for Real Madrid.
The versatile attacking midfielder found himself among the five alterations made by Carlo Ancelotti following the disheartening derby performance against Atletico Madrid last Sunday, a game where Diaz was only introduced in the 70th minute.
The 24-year-old seized the opportunity with both hands, scoring the opening goal in what was a comfortable outing for the team.
Given the competition at hand, Diaz has been forced to settle for substitute appearances this season but fans have witnessed his unwavering dedication during this time.
The love he received from the Madrid supporters was shown when he was substituted during the second half.
While it is unlikely that his run in the first-team will continue, especially since Vinicius Jr. has now returned, the 24-year-old must continue to keep his head on the ground and work towards achieving the common goal this season.
