Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will only pursue World Cup YPOTT as Bellingham’s alternative – report
There is no secret that Real Madrid are on the hunt for midfield reinforcement in the coming summer. They are aware of the uncertain future of some of their star players including Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Dani Ceballos.
While Modric may likely pen a contract extension, Kroos appears to be thinking about an early retirement while Ceballos is simply not included in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
This has accentuated the need for midfield reinforcements, with Real Madrid ready to invest in a young player that can prove to be an asset for the club in the years to come. To that end, Real Madrid have broadly identified Jude Bellingham as their main target.
But the Englishman is not their only option. As per several reports, the Whites have also targeted Enzo Fernandez, who was one of Argentina’s star performers during the World Cup. Real Madrid are naturally one of many clubs targeting a move for the SL Benfica starlet.
However, according to MARCA, Real Madrid only consider Fernandez an alternative for top target for Bellingham. This means the reigning European champions are only expected to go after the SL Benfica starlet if they fail in their pursuit of Bellingham.
Another club involved in the race to sign Fernandez is Liverpool. The report suggests the Reds are keen on signing the Argentine international, as part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans to reinforce the ranks in the middle of the park.
But it appears they may end up facing competition from Real Madrid, broadly because the Whites are not too keen on meeting Bellingham’s hefty €̉150 million price tag and are only willing to go as much as €120 million.
While Fernandez may also cost a fortune, there might be more room for negotiations on Real Madrid’s end. Hence, it will be interesting to see how Los Blancos go about their business, in their bid to sign a new midfielder next summer.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder trained away from the group last week, but has no injury – report
With the international break underway, several Real Madrid players have been called up for national team assignments. The stars who have not travelled for international duty have continued to work at the club’s Valdebebas training facility to prepare for the restart.
Toni Kroos is one such player who has remained in Madrid, having retired from international football back in 2021.
However, there had been concerns growing around the 33-year-old’s physical condition as he regularly did indoor work last week and was not spotted in group training with his teammates.
Now, Sergio Quirante has come up with an update on Kroos’ situation, stating that even though the midfielder largely did individual work inside the facilities over the last week, he is fine and has no injuries.
Taking advantage of the international break, the former Bayern Munich superstar is understood to have gone through an individual program to prepare for the final, decisive stretch of the 2022/23 season.
Kroos not being injured comes as a big positive for Real Madrid, ahead of important games against Real Valladolid and Barcelona within the first five days of April.
The rest of the Real Madrid midfield contingent – Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, and Dani Ceballos – are all away on international duties and could return with some fatigue from the travel.
So, it is important that Kroos is fully fit and ready to go as Real Madrid look to cut down the gap to the top of the table in La Liga and also make it to the finals of the Copa del Rey by overturning a first-leg deficit against Barcelona in the semi-finals.
Kroos has played 37 matches this season, chipping in with two goals and five assists in the process. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it is still unclear whether he will renew or hang up his boots.
