Real Madrid News
Report: Man United forward can be ‘plan B’ for Real Madrid if Haaland operation falls
Real Madrid have identified Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani as Erling Haaland’s alternative if the latter does, in fact, escape the clutches by deciding to join any other team in the summer.
As reported by Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Madrid expect Cavani to accompany Karim Benzema next season in the hour of need. The 35-year-old Uruguayan may very well be on the wrong side of his 30s, but the experience he would bring will be invaluable, to say the very least.
Real Madrid are aware of the fact that signing Cavani would not be a long-term solution. But since Haaland has generated so much demand, there are high chances that he may well and truly decide to go elsewhere.
In that case, Cavani would be the most viable option since he would arrive on a free transfer while his salary wouldn’t make a big hole in Madrid’s pockets. Above all, Madrid would be absolutely clear during the negotiations that he will only be a second choice to Benzema.
In all fairness, that shouldn’t be a big concern for the player as he is already playing second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.
At 35 years of age, Cavani cannot really ask for much since he has largely struggled to stay fit during his time at Old Trafford. This season alone, the veteran forward has only made 17 appearances across all competitions, scoring just two goals and one assist.
And so, any offer from Real Madrid would be nothing short of a holy writ. Or if he wishes to finally enjoy the final years, there will always be interest from South America. Fichajes adds that Brazilian side Botafogo are one of the teams keeping a close eye.
The current edition of the Real Madrid squad is full of young talents, who have shown remarkable potential in recent years.
Arda Guler is among the young players looking to make a mark in European football in the years to come.
The young Turk joined Real Madrid earlier this summer, rejecting many other European giants in the process.
Toni Kroos mentoring Guler at Real Madrid
Guler has not enjoyed the best of starts to his life at Santiago Bernabeu, as he is spending a brief time on the sidelines due to an injury.
However, Guler has not stopped working on his characteristics, as he looks to kickstart his Real Madrid career on a positive note.
To that end, the former Fenerbahce starlet is receiving some key support from one of Real Madrid’s midfield pillars in the form of Toni Kroos.
This is according to MARCA, which suggests that the German international is mentoring Guler in his early days at Santiago Bernabeu.
Kroos: huge ‘sponsor’ of Guler
The report highlights how Toni Kroos is a huge admirer of Arda Guler. The German had even heaped praise on the youngster from Turkey when he joined the club earlier in the summer.
Guler, therefore, is closely training with Kroos, whose years of experience, composure, and knowledge of football, could help the youngster grow at Santiago Bernabeu.
This fits in well with Carlo Ancelotti’s vision at Real Madrid, as the Italian boss wants youngsters to have room to grow, especially with guidance from some of the older guards in the team.
It is one of the key reasons Real Madrid wanted to stick to Kroos and Luka Modric, despite bringing in Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham in the summer.
Guler, therefore, has the stage set for him to start his Real Madrid career on a strong note. After impressing in training, the next step for the youngster is to make a promising debut, which is just around the corner.
