Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran seen as ‘untouchable’ by Ancelotti amid Jude Bellingham links
Real Madrid are anticipating widespread changes in their squad at the end of the season, especially as they have a bunch of players that are expected to run down their contracts in 2023.
One of them is Luka Modric. The veteran midfielder’s current deal at Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of the season and at the age of 37, there are very few players who can continue at the top level, especially at a club like Real Madrid.
Fortunately for Los Blancos, Modric is one of those players. Even in the twilight years of his career, the former Ballon d’Or winner has continued to set an example to the rest of the squad. He has also given no indications or hints about a potential retirement from club football.
According to AS, the feeling is mutual in the Real Madrid camp. For coach Carlo Ancelotti, Modric’s status in the first team is non-negotiable. The club are determined to keep hold of him for one more season, at the very least.
The report suggests Modric’s role in the team will not be altered by the arrival of any new midfielder. Real Madrid, after all, have been closely linked with moves for Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez, with the club even reportedly willing to offer a bumper €60 million contract for the former.
The general consensus in the Real Madrid camp is that Modric should continue even after either of these two youngsters arrive at the club. They expect the Croatian international to play a vital role in guiding the young players in the team before eventually hanging up his boots.
In the meantime, though, Modric will be looking to restart the season on a positive note as Real Madrid take on Real Valladolid at the end of the month. The veteran, though, might not be available for the clash, having had a relatively longer World Cup campaign than the majority of his teammates.
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.
