This week, Real Madrid is focused on winning El Clásico to tighten its grip on LaLiga and keep its chances alive for the only title it aspires to this season beyond the Intercontinental Cup, the European Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. Out of the Champions League and after losing the Copa del Rey final to Barça, the team is now focused on a league campaign that looks complicated, especially given the current situation of the squad, which is severely depleted in defense.
With no center backs other than Asencio, it seems almost impossible to stop Barça this Sunday at Montjuic. Tchouaméni will fill in at center back, as he has done several times throughout the season in the absence of Rüdiger, Alaba, and Militao. It will also be an opportunity for Fran García or Lucas Vázquez to show their worth on the wing.
Real Madrid’s objectives for the summer
This scenario has been a constant throughout the season, and Real Madrid knows that it must turn to the transfer market to improve its squad and its performance. The first to arrive will be Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has just announced his departure from Liverpool and is expected to arrive in early June in order to participate in the Club World Cup.
In defense, the Whites are also looking to strengthen the center of the back line and the left back position. In this regard, Xabi Alonso will have a lot to say, as he has two of his current players in mind: center back Jonathan Tah and Piero Hincapié. They are not the only names on Real Madrid’s agenda, which also includes players such as William Saliba, Konaté, Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, and Álvaro Carreras.
In addition, Real Madrid has been considering for months signing a midfielder to fill the void left by Toni Kroos, which Camavinga, Tchouaméni, and Modric have not been able to fill. At times this season, Ceballos has managed to fill that role. Before his injury, the Utrera-born player, who for many was more out than in, performed well, earning himself a starting spot and the support of the fans. However, his injury came at the best moment of his career and now, on his return, he is going more unnoticed.
In recent days, it is someone else who is shining and making it clear that what Real Madrid is looking for could be on the bench. Arda Güler is shining in recent games with goals against Getafe and Celta, where he also provided an assist for Mbappé, demonstrating a great connection between them.
Beyond what is available at home, names such as Martín Zubimendi, a Real Sociedad player with a €60 million release clause, and Florian Wirtz, Xabi Alonso’s player at Bayer Leverkusen, who could cost around €100 million, have been mentioned for the midfield. In the last few hours, an option has emerged that Real Madrid has ruled out.
A €30 million offer
Bernardo Silva could leave Manchester City this summer for a reduced price, as his agent, Jorge Mendes, has offered him to major European clubs, including Real Madrid. With Manchester City willing to let him go, the Sky Blues would value his sale at less than the €58 million stated in his release clause. Specifically, there is talk of a figure in the region of €30 million.
The 29-year-old midfielder has a contract with City until 2026, but wants to seek new challenges away from Manchester. His relatively short contract and desire to move have opened the door to a possible transfer at a discount. However, despite the reduction in his cost, according to Defensa Central, the Whites have no intention of signing the player, who does not fit the profile sought by Concha Espina.