Dani Ceballos reportedly wants to stay at Real Madrid. According to Spanish news outlet Diario AS, the Spaniard is keen to remain in the capital. In an interview with AS, he stated, “You have to know what the coach wants, and you have to be objective. But my intention is to play next year at Real Madrid. I’ve always wanted to do important things at this club, and I’m going to fight for it. “ The 24 year old delivered a fantastic performance in Spain’s friendly against Japan ahead of the 2020 Olympic games. Ceballos was one of Luis de la Fuente’s best assets against the Japanese, accompanying Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi in the centre of the field. He signed for Real Madrid in Jul 2017 for €17 million. He was touted as one of Spain’s finest talents and won the MVP at the 2017...
Chelsea have made a late approach for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane despite Manchester United being in advanced talks with the defender, Spanish newspaper Marca reports. The French centre-back is out of contract next summer and has decided to leave Madrid after a decade, putting a host of top European clubs on alert. United were quick to make their move and are now in the final stages of completing a £42.8m move for Varane on a five-year deal. With Madrid under pressure to sell to fund their own transfer business, it has been widely reported that the deal will be announced in the coming week. However, Thomas Tuchel is keen on bringing in a central defender despite having Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen and Thiago Silva in his squad. With United in the latter stages of ...
Real Madrid currently have a Sergio Ramos-sized hole in their squad. The Spaniard left the club after 16 incredible years to join Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain this summer. It will be tremendously difficult to find a player to fill Ramos’ boots this summer, particularly with Madrid struggling financially. With Raphael Varane also set to leave, new manager Carlo Ancelotti is faced with the uphill task of revamping Madrid’s defence. A possible long-term solution to Madrid’s problems would be Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix. His rise has been sudden and surprising. After joining Wolfsburg from Sochaux in 2020, he has adapted well to life in the Bundesliga. The 21-year-old is already one of the best centre-backs in Germany and looks destined for bigger things. Lacroix’s long passing is...
Arjen Robben has announced his retirement from football today. The former Netherlands international initially hung up his boots in 2019 before reversing the decision to return to his first club Groningen last season. Injuries and the coronavirus pandemic derailed the winger’s second stint. He has now announced his retirement with an emotional message on Twitter Beste voetbalvrienden, Ik heb besloten om te stoppen met mijn actieve voetbalcarrière. Een heel moeilijke keuze. Ik wil iedereen bedanken voor alle hartverwarmende steun! Groetjes, Arjen pic.twitter.com/aAEdxdL5tU — Arjen Robben (@ArjenRobben) July 15, 2021 “I have decided to end my active football career,” he wrote. “It was a tough choice. I want to thank everyone for their heart-warming support!” The club also issued a statement: ...
Robert Lewandowski is considering leaving Bayern Munich this summer, according to Sky Sports journalist Marc Behrenbeck (via Football Daily). Lewandowski joined Bayern Munich in 2014 on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at rivals Borussia Dortmund. Since then, he has enjoyed a highly successful time at the Allianz Arena. Lewandowski has been sensational for Bayern Munich In his 329 appearances in all competitions for the Bavarians, he has scored a staggering 294 goals. This has helped his side to seven Bundesliga titles, three DFB Pokals, and a Champions League. However, there are rumours that the Poland international could be on his way out of the Bundesliga this transfer window. Behrenbeck claims that the striker feels like his story at Bayern is complete and now wishe...
Real Madrid have become the latest club to show interest in Danish winger Mikkel Damsgaard, according to Spanish outlet Marca. Damsgaard signed for Sampdoria in the summer transfer window of 2020 from Nordsjaelland, arriving on a four-year contract for approximately €7 million. He made 18 starts last season in Serie A and another 17 off the bench, scoring twice and assisting a further four times. Damsgaard celebrates his stunning free-kick against England But it was at this summer’s European Championships where he really made his mark. Following Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest in Denmark’s opening game against Finland, the 21-year-old got his chance in the starting XI. He made a huge impression, scoring beauties against Russia and England as his side reached the semi-finals. This has at...
Manchester United have been allowed to negotiate personal terms with defender Raphael Varane ahead of his potential move away from Real Madrid, Sky Sports reports. Varane has emerged as United’s top central defensive target, and the club have now been permitted to hold talks with the Frenchman over his contract demands. Paris Saint-Germain are also in talks with Varane’s entourage, and it is reported that United want to make sure that Varane is committed to joining them. They are still reluctant to pay a big fee as the centre-back could sign a pre-contract in January. This could yet prove a stumbling block towards a potential transfer. Sportslens view: United recently made a huge outlay to land long-term target Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund. He could provide an upgrade in the wide at...
Real Madrid are reluctant to sell Manchester United target Raphael Varane this summer unless their €50 million price tag is met, Spanish publication ABC reports. The Frenchman has entered the final year of his contract, and he has yet to show any intention of exceeding his stay with the Madrid heavyweights. The centre-back is eyeing a new challenge after a decade with Los Blancos, and United are regarded as the front-runners to land his signature. They have made a bid of around €45m for the World Cup winner, but Los Blancos are adamant that they won’t sell him for less than €50m. They have no plans of negotiating the price, and are open to keeping Varane for the final year of his contract if there are no suitable offers. Sportslens view: Los Blancos recently parted ways with...
Everton boss Rafael Benitez could look to sign Newcastle United attacker Allan Saint-Maximin if Richarlison makes the switch to Real Madrid this summer, The Mirror reports. The Toffees are yet to make any new signings, and there is uncertainty whether Richarlison and James Rodriguez could stay after manager Carlo Ancelotti’s return to Madrid. Ancelotti has urged Madrid’s hierarchy to move for Richarlison, and it is reported that Benitez has identified Saint-Maximin as a potential replacement for the Brazilian. The Magpies value him at £60 million, but the Toffees believe they could prise him away for around £50m. They could secure a similar fee through Richarlison’s sale. Sportslens view: Richarlison was far from his best for the Toffees last term but still registered seven goals and three...
Sergio Ramos rejected the advances of Premier League duo Manchester City and Arsenal before signing for Paris Saint-Germain, reports Goal. Ramos has been one of the very best defenders of the current generation over his 16-year spell with Real Madrid. At the Spanish giants, he scored over 100 goals from centre-back and won 11 major trophies, including four Champions Leagues and five La Liga titles. In addition, he has also won three major honours on the international stage with Spain. Ramos with one of his four Champions Leagues This summer, the 35-year-old’s time at the Bernabeu came to an end following the expiry of his contract. There was no lack of interest in his signature, with several top clubs looking to snag a world-class defender on a free transfer. And, after loads of speculatio...