Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran star wanted by two Saudi Arabian giants, claims FIFA agent
Karim Benzema’s departure earlier this summer took the streets of Madrid by surprise. The French striker appeared set to renew with Real Madrid but could not hold off the financial muscle the middle-east based club offered.
That, however, might not be the only big shock for Carlo Ancelotti’s side from Saudi Arabia. According to information from Marco Kirdemir, a FIFA agent, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad are eyeing Toni Kroos.
He further assures that there will be a big departure from La Liga in the closing days of the transfer window. If not Toni Kroos from Real Madrid, the clubs could snatch Robert Lewandowski from arch-rivals Barcelona.
“Al Hilal and Al Ittihad want Kroos for this same season. They will also go for Lewandowski; the Saudis like him a lot. There will be a bomb,” Kirdemir said on Radio MARCA.
Ancelotti quizzed on late departures
Incidentally, Carlo Ancelotti was quizzed specifically about the possibility of players making a late move to Saudi Arabia. After all, the high wages that the Middle Eastern-based league offers are difficult to resist, especially for players in the twilight of their careers.
Ancelotti, however, was confident that his players were only focused on the club.
“I think our squad is closed and our players are thinking about our season. Someone may change his mind but I am not afraid of that.”
Kroos openly disses La Liga star’s move to Saudi
While the interest in the German midfielder from Saudi Arabia may be genuine, one would expect Kroos to be the last player to make a move to the Asian league.
The World Cup winner has always been of the idea that he will retire at the highest level, and Real Madrid.
Earlier this week, Kroos publicly commented on Gabri Veiga’s move to Saudi Arabia, calling it ’embarrassing’, making a huge statement of his two cents on players moving to the Middle East.
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.
