MU Shorts
Six goalkeepers Real Madrid are targeting after Thibaut Courtois’ injury – report
Thibaut Courtois’ abrupt injury just ahead of the 2023-24 season will now force Real Madrid to take a deep dive into the transfer market.
The Belgium veteran recently hurt his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his left knee. Given the magnitude of the issue, the stopper is expected to miss a large chunk of the upcoming season, meaning that the team from the capital city will now need to sign a short-term replacement.
As such, they do have Andriy Lunin, but the Ukraine international is not trusted by the Real Madrid staff.
This means Madrid are in dire need to get a replacement and as per reports from MARCA and AS, Los Blancos have set their sights on the following six goalkeepers.
David de Gea
Former Manchester United keper David de Gea is no stranger to Madrid. Los Blancos have made multiple attempts to sign him in the past and now that he is without a club, this could finally be the time for Real Madrid.
The Spanish international decided to part ways with Manchester United at the end of the previous season and despite being a seasoned veteran, he is still without a club, giving Madrid a clear edge.
Contacts have already been made with him, as per Sky Sports, and a move could be fast-tracked.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is also among the options Real Madrid are considering. Unlike de Gea, the 28-year-old still has two more years left on his current deal, meaning that Madrid will have to pay a sizable amount if they are serious about his acquisition.
And that’s not the only problem for Madrid, with Bayern Munich also in the race. The German champions have already established contacts with the player and his representatives and it just might be too little to late for Madrid now.
Keylor Navas
Former goalkeeper Keylor Navas is another player who is said to be on Madrid’s agenda. The 36-year-old played for Real Madrid between 2014 and 2019 and given his current status at PSG, he is considered to be a good option.
As of today, it has been suggested that PSG manager Luis Enrique does not have Navas in his plans and he is more than allowed to find a new team and could be a tempting option for Los Blancos.
Bono
Bono of Sevilla could be the safest bet for Madrid. The 32-year-old stopper has been playing in Spanish La Liga since 2012 and above all, it is also suggested that Sevilla might as well be open to his departure.
It is believed that a fee in the region of €20 million would do the trick for Madrid.
Giorgi Mamardashvili
Reports have it that Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has also been put on the market this summer and any offer of around €15 million can get him out of the team.
The 22-year-old has been in Spain for over 18 months now and has garnered some degree of experience and given his age, could be a long-term investment for Real Madrid.
Dominik Livakovic
Quite possibly the most riskiest option, 28-year-old Dominik Livakovic Dinamo Zagreb is still on the market. Despite impressing during last year’s FIFA World Cup, the stopper continues to play in Croatia.
It’s not that the suitors have not tried. In fact, there have been offers from Saudi Arabia and even Villarreal tried to sign him but his team has refused to do business below €12 million asking price.
Real Madrid will begin their quest for their 15th European crown as they start the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League season against Union Berlin in Group C tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid have made a solid start to the season, winning five in five in La Liga, although they have not always been convincing victories.
But Los Blancos have found a way to collect maximum points from difficult situations and will be eager to carry forward that form and momentum into Europe’s premier club competition.
Leading up to the game, Real Madrid have greeted both good and bad news on the injury front. Ferland Mendy is back in the squad for the match, which comes in as a big positive, while both Arda Guler and Vinicius Jr are closing in on a return.
However, onto bad news, in-form right-back Dani Carvajal picked up an injury and has been ruled out of the contest, and could potentially miss the derby against Atletico Madrid later this week.
With less than 12 hours left before kickoff, here’s how Real Madrid could line up against the German opposition, who are debuting in the UEFA Champions League.
Starters
With no Thibaut Courtois in the mix, on-loan goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga appears to be the preferred choice in goal ahead of Andriy Lunin. As such, the Spaniard should keep his place between the sticks tonight for Real Madrid against Union Berlin.
Dani Carvajal’s absence will see Lucas Vazquez start at right-back, as was confirmed by Carlo Ancelotti during his press conference. Meanwhile, Fran Garcia should make his UCL debut, slotting in at left-back despite the availability of Ferland Mendy.
At the heart of the defence, it is unlikely that Ancelotti will change the pairing of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, with captain Nacho Fernandez once again featuring off the bench.
As has been the case throughout this season, it is the midfield department that Ancelotti will have some major decisions to make.
Aurelien Tchouameni has been in fine form as the defensive midfielder this campaign, but the Frenchman could be rested tonight, with his compatriot, Eduardo Camavinga. starting as the lone pivot.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde, who was on target against Real Sociedad over the weekend, should continue as one of the interiors, even though he recently revealed that he has been playing with an injured arm.
Luka Modric should make his second start of the season for Los Blancos, replacing fellow veteran Toni Kroos in the starting XI. Jude Bellingham will occupy the tip of the midfield diamond for Los Blancos.
As has been the case during Vinicius Jr’s absence, Rodrygo Goes and in-form forward Joselu will form the strike partnership up top.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup: Kepa, Vazquez, Rudiger, Alabal, Garcia, Camavinga, Valverde, Modric, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Joselu.
Substitutes
Toni Kroos is certain to come on at some point in the second period to help Real Madrid provide control in the game. Fellow veteran Nacho Fernandez is also likely to be called upon to relieve one of the defenders.
Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy could make their first appearances of the season after their injury layoffs, while Brahim Diaz is also expected to get some minutes.
