Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will not look to sign a right-back in the summer
It is in Real Madrid’s policy and in their best interest that the administration begin planning for the future well in advance. That said, it is no surprise as to why the right-back position is seen as an area of concern by the club.
Daniel Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez have the portfolios required to handle duties on the right side of defence. However, with both Spaniards aged 31 years, there is a worry about the passing of the baton.
According to reports from ABC (h/t Madrid Xtra), however, Los Blancos will make no new acquisitions at the right-back position as of this summer. Carlo Ancelotti had identified Pedro Porro and Malo Gusto as potential reinforcements but both players secured a move in the recently concluded winter transfer market.
Porro was among Europe’s most sought-after fullbacks in January. Instead of waiting until the summer, however, the Spanish player decided to accept Tottenham Hotspurs’ offer to join on loan. The English side have an obligation to make his move permanent in the summer for €45 million.
Gusto, on the other hand, made a move to Stamford Bridge in the same window. The Premier League side completed his signing for close to €30 million, but sent him back to Lyon on loan until the end of the season.
A common feature of both deals is the massive price-tag involved, something Real Madrid would not be prepared to shell out at the moment.
Heading into next season, Carlo Ancelotti will look to hold his faith in Carvajal and Vazquez with Nacho hopefully continuing as a valuable third-option. Needless to say, Vinicius Tobias from Real Madrid Castilla will serve as an able backup for his seniors and his debut for the first team only seems to be a matter of time.
Manchester City have now joined the ever-growing list of admirers for Celta Vigo midfielder and Real Madrid target Gabri Veiga, reports Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail.
The 20-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the breakout stars of La Liga this season, having impressed with his goalscoring abilities from the centre of the park. Indeed, the youngster has notched up nine goals in La Liga and his exploits have made the giants of Europe sit up and take notice.
Real Madrid are said to be interested in Veiga’s services heading into the summer. The Merengues have Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Dani Ceballos on expiring contracts and it is unlikely that all three will be renewed, especially with Jude Bellingham being on the agenda.
In case of Modric and Kroos, even if they stay, it will likely be for only a season at the most. Hence, Los Blancos could require more than one central midfielder come summer, with Veiga emerging as an option.
The 20-year-old was also attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid. Now, Manchester City have also jumped on the bandwagon of clubs interested in Veiga’s services.
The Cityzens, who are battling Real Madrid for Bellingham as well, are set to lose Ilkay Gundogan in the summer when his contract expires. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva’s future is also far from certain, thus necessitating the signing of another midfielder.
Veiga has a release clause worth €40 million in his contract with Celta Vigo, which should not be a problem for either Real Madrid or Manchester City.
Celta Vigo president Carlos Mourino recently admitted that the midfielder could leave the club in the summer, saying:
“We don’t want to sell Gabri Veiga, but they are going to buy him from us. And we can’t do anything there. We know some of his offers and it is impossible to reach them.
“There are several teams behind Gabri. Real Madrid? They haven’t asked us, we don’t know if they will have called the player. Of the top 10 in the Premier League, four have asked about him.”
It will certainly be interesting to see whether Real Madrid are prepared to go all out for Veiga’s signing or decide to entirely focus on their pursuit of Bellingham.
