Zinedine Zidane Talks Paul Pogba, Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard and Takefusa Kubo
Jul 20, 2019
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane spoke about the club's reported interest in Paul Pogba and the future of Gareth Bale in a press conference on Saturday.
Los Blancos have been linked with a possible move for the Manchester United midfielder, with the player saying himself he'd be open to a "new challenge" recently.
Zidane fielded questions on the eve of the team's International Champions Cup match with Bayern Munich on Sunday and was unsurprisingly quizzed on Madrid's reported interest in the player:
"You ask me another question, and I will always answer the same. We know with the club what we want to do, and we are working on what we want to do. What I'm looking forward to is tomorrow's match and working bit by bit. We have time for the rest, and we'll see what will happen."
According to Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol, Pogba is Madrid's priority transfer target despite a summer of major spending:
Reports in Spain that Real Madrid back Paul Pogba’s decision to go on Manchester United’s preseason tour. That’s nice of them. Pogba remains Zinedine Zidane’s No 1 transfer target
Meanwhile, Bale has been consistently linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu. However, as of yet no deal to leave Los Blancos has been agreed, and Zidane has said he wouldn't be too concerned if the 30-year-old were to remain at the club:
"Him staying is not a problem. I can't say that the player is a problem. He has a contract, he is here, and what I can say is that anything could happen.
"I have to respect all the players; he is with us, and he is a Real Madrid player. We will see what will happen. His role has not changed compared to in June."
However, Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, was asked about the story and said, "I don't comment on rubbish," per TalkSport.
The Madrid No. 11 finds himself in a difficult position at the start of 2019-20, as it's anticipated he's not going to be a regular starter under Zidane. The previous campaign was one of inconsistency for Bale, as both he and the team struggled for form. He made 29 appearances in La Liga, notching eight goals and four assists.
When he is on the field, Bale is still capable of conjuring match-defining moments. At the end of the 2017-18 term, he netted this memorable goal in the UEFA Champions League final win against Liverpool:
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) July 16, 2019
Zidane also praised the talents of new signing Eden Hazard. "He's a determining player. He scores goals and makes a difference," the Madrid boss said. "He's shown it throughout his career, and now we have him. We will take advantage of his qualities. I'm very happy with him. Eden needed a club like Real Madrid to improve."
The Frenchman also talked up the talents of one of the club's understated summer acquisitions, 18-year-old Japan international Takefusa Kubo.
"He looks good to me; he's training well," Zidane said of the youngster, who is part of the senior squad for the pre-season tour. "He's a quality player."
Real Madrid Striker Luka Jovic Says He Was Born to Score Goals
Jul 16, 2019
Real Madrid forward Luka Jovic has said he was born with a natural talent to score goals.
The Serbia international moved to Real from Eintracht Frankfurt last month for £52.4 million after a 2018-19 campaign in which he netted 17 Bundesliga goals and 10 in 14 matches in the UEFA Europa League.
He and Eden Hazard are Real's two key attacking signings of the summer, and they will be crucial next term as Los Blancos attempt to win La Liga and the UEFA Champions League again.
PerThe Players' Tribune, Jovic is supremely confident in his ability to score goals:
"Sometimes I think I was just born with it. Everyone in this life has certain talents, and I think mine is scoring goals. I don't know how I ended up playing as a striker, but as far back as I can remember I've always been obsessed with scoring. When I was a child, I used to have these two VHS tapes of all the goals from every single World Cup up to 2006, I think.
"I remember being mesmerised by Roger Milla from Cameroon at the '90 World Cup, and of course Ronaldo—the Original Ronaldo. I was obsessed with how he did that step-over dribble against goalkeepers. I remember it being so fast, like a magician's trick, and I would practice how to do it at home. Ronaldo would play football with such ease, almost as if he was at 30%, and I thought it was incredible. His style and confidence left a mark on me. I guess my coaches must have seen that instinct in me, because they put me at striker from my very first steps in football."
Jovic's move to Real is the peak of a remarkable rise to prominence, which has seen him already feature for some of Europe's most storied clubs.
The 21-year-old started his career at Red Star Belgrade and spent two years in the first team before signing for Benfica. If he can reproduce the goalscoring form he showed at Frankfurt at the Santiago Bernabeu, he will be worth Real's outlay on him.
The Madrid giants endured a rough season by their lofty standards in 2018-19.
They were knocked out the Champions League at the last-16 stage and were a distant third to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in La Liga:
One of their biggest problems was a lack of goals. Their league return of 63 was their worst in any season since 1999-2000, and Cristiano Ronaldo's absence was the obvious problem:
Real Madrid have now gone 465 minutes without scoring—their longest goal drought in their 116-year history 👀 pic.twitter.com/rgeSobJ2aw
In Jovic and Hazard, they may well have found a duo capable of filling the hole left by the Portuguese superstar.
Eder Militao's Real Madrid Press Conference Cut Short After He Nearly Fainted
Jul 10, 2019
Brazil's defender Eder Militao gestures during a press conference after his official presentation as Real Madrid new player at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on July 10, 2019. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP) (Photo credit should read OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP/Getty Images)
Eder Militao's unveiling at Real Madrid did not go to plan on Wednesday after the defender had to cut short his press conference because he felt faint.
ESPN FC and Goal relayed footage from the press conference, in which an uncomfortable Militao tried to drink some water before having to leave the room:
Eder Militao’s Real Madrid unveiling was cut short after he complained about feeling dizzy and unwell. pic.twitter.com/3OA7M7IFiZ
According to Prenderville, the temperature in Madrid was 32 degrees Celsius.
With club captain Sergio Ramos now 33, Real will be hoping Militao can become a long-term successor to the Spanish stalwart and a future partner for Raphael Varane.
Real Madrid Confirm Martin Odegaard Has Joined Real Sociedad on Season-Long Loan
Jul 5, 2019
Norwegian Vitesse-player Martin Odegaard is seen during the Dutch Eredivisie play off final second leg football match between Vitesse Arnhem and FC Utrecht in Arnhem on May 28, 2019. (Photo by Lars SMOOK / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo credit should read LARS SMOOK/AFP/Getty Images)
Real Madrid confirmed on Friday that they have sent Martin Odegaard to Real Sociedad on loan for the 2019-20 season.
The news came in a statement on the club's official website. Sociedad posted the following clip, welcoming their new acquisition:
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) July 5, 2019
The Norway international joined Real Madrid in January 2015 and was considered one of the brightest prospects in the game at the time. However, he has not yet showed his best in Los Blancos colours.
B/R Football charted the highs and lows endured by the 20-year-old so early in his career:
Odegaard has made just two appearance for Madrid's senior side—in La Liga in the 2014-15 season and then in the Copa del Rey in the 2016-17 term.
In January 2017, he moved to Heerenveen on an 18-month loan deal. Odegaard went on to make 34 Eredivisie appearances for the club, netting three goals in the process. The previous term saw Odegaard showcase some of his best form in recent years, as he scored 11 goals at Vitesse in a one-year loan stint.
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At the age of 20, the upcoming season feels like a make or break term for Odegaard, and there'll be an expectation on him to perform in the Spanish top flight.
According to Graeme Bailey of Goal, there were English teams interested in the player, too:
Martin Odegaard leaves Real Madrid on-loan again, but this is his biggest chance so far as he lands at Real Sociedad - there was again interest in England. https://t.co/nTqkJ0FecR
Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC said he thinks the transfer makes sense for the Norwegian and also commented on what is shaping up to be summer of significant departures for Real Madrid:
Odegaard still just 20, and did pretty well over last two loans in Eredivisie. 11 goals and 12 assists for Heerenveen last season looks pretty good. Real Sociedad seems decent fit too, with his agent Kvarme having played there back in the day.
Madrid's clear-out operation going pretty well in fairness - Llorente [Atlético], Kovacic [Chelsea], De Tomas [Benfica], Reguilón [Sevilla] and now Odegaard [Real Sociedad]. With over €100m raised too.
Sociedad finished in ninth place in La Liga last season and will be seeking to push up the standings towards the European spots under manager Imanol Alguacil in the coming term.
For Odegaard, it's important he makes an impression for the San Sebastian outfit, especially if he does still hold any ambitions of being a long-term success at Real Madrid.
While the Santiago Bernabeu club sold Cristiano Ronaldo last summer, they've invested heavily in attacking talent over the last two years, with Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes all arriving in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid Schedule 2019-20: La Liga Fixtures Released
Jul 4, 2019
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 19: Head coach Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid gestures during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Betis Balompie at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 19, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Real Madrid will open their 2019-20 La Liga campaign with an awayclash against Celta Vigoat Balaidos on August 18.
The schedule for the upcoming season was announced on Thursday.
The closing fixtures were also released, with Real set to play Leganes on the final day of the season:
The first Clasico of the campaign against Barcelona is scheduled for October 27 at the Camp Nou, with the return match at the Santiago Bernabeu scheduled for March 1.
The 2018-19 La Liga campaign was one of the worst in Real's recent history as they finished third.
They never launched any kind of title challenge, recorded their lowest points tally (68) since 2001-02 and netted fewer goals (63) than in any season since 1999-2000.
Two managers paid the price for Real's failures, with both Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari being sacked during the campaign.
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A quick look at the tables from the last five seasons in La Liga reveals that, on average, La Liga champions have accrued between 91 and 92 points in a campaign.
Even if Barcelona's successful tally of 87 points from last season is used as a benchmark, Real will likely need to improve by around 20 points if they are to win the title again in 2019-20.
An increase in goals will go a long way to resolving that.
Cristiano Ronaldo's exit to Juventus last summer had a huge impact on Real's proficiency in front of goal:
Real Madrid have now gone 465 minutes without scoring—their longest goal drought in their 116-year history 👀 pic.twitter.com/rgeSobJ2aw
Already this summer, Real have made moves to resolve that by signing Luka Jovic and Eden Hazard:
Benzema and Hazard? Or Benzema and Jovic with Hazard roaming free? What about Vinicius? And Asensio? Isco? Vazquez? Maybe even (but doubt it) Bale? Lots of exciting pieces at Real Madrid, but now Zinedine Zidane has to fit them all together.
Another area in which Real can improve is in fixtures against Barcelona.
In 2018-19, they played their fierce rivals four times and did not win once. They lost both their La Liga clashes against the Blaugrana, including a 5-1 drubbing at the Camp Nou.
If manager Zinedine Zidane can somehow reverse those results in 2019-20, that would create a 12-point swing towards Real.
But Barca were not the only side Real lost to last term. In fact, they lost a remarkable 12 matches in La Liga:
❌ Real Madrid lost 12 of their 38 league games in 2018-19.
1973-74 is the *only* season in the club's history in which they have lost more in a single La Liga campaign.
Real need to make the Bernabeu a fortress again if they are to be league title challengers in 2019-20.
Vinicius Jr. Says Eden Hazard's Real Madrid Move Makes Minutes 'More Difficult'
Jul 3, 2019
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 19: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid v Real Betis Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on May 19, 2019 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. has said he thinks minutes will be tough to come by next season following the arrival of Eden Hazard.
Vinicius forced his way into contention last term for Los Blancos, with the team struggling for an attacking spark for long spells of the season. Before injury ruined the latter stages of the youngster's season, he was a regular in the setup.
However, following a poor season for Real, big money has been spent on bolstering the attacking options, with Hazard, Luka Jovic and Rodrygo Goes signing. Vinicius told Globoesporte (h/t Marca) that getting in the team will be a challenge next term.
"It [Hazard's arrival] makes it more difficult for me to play," he said. "But it's not a problem for me. Everything will depend on [manager Zinedine] Zidane."
The 18-year-old may have to play more of a peripheral role this term, although last season it wasn't anticipated he would become a first-team player so fast.
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Still, Vinicius said he thinks his time at Madrid has already helped him to develop as a player.
"When I arrived I was a totally different player," he said. "I've learnt a lot from the staff here and from each coach. I've evolved tactically and lose the ball less. I'm calmer when I play. ... Nobody wants to lose in training. Everyone, even Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema, both over 30, work more than anyone else and they get goals."
Spanish football journalist Graham Hunter toldEleven Sports how highly he rates the Brazilian:
| 🇧🇷 | @BumperGraham: "I think the boy is exceptional. I haven't been so excited about an 18-year-old since Lionel Messi...
But will Vinicius still get the chances he deserves at Real Madrid now Hazard has arrived? 👀
One of the reasons Madrid turned to the teenager last season was due to the fact that they failed to bring in a direct replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
In Hazard, they have found someone capable of taking on that responsibility. The Belgium international brought so much to the Chelsea forward line last season and was among the best players in the Premier League:
Eden Hazard for Chelsea in the Premier League this season:
Football presenter and reporter Kelly Somers added that Hazard is someone capable of taking the breath of fans away:
There aren’t many players who take your breath away- I can’t add much to what’s already been said about Hazard but he’s 1 of those. Been a privilege to watch him - his goal v #whufc in April was 1 of the best I’ve seen live. And 👏🏻 what a classy statement to sign off with 👏🏻 #CFC
In addition to the new signings, Madrid still have Gareth Bale, Isco, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez vying for similar spots in the team. While some will inevitably move on, it makes competition on the flanks fierce for next season as things stand.
Vinicius may not be starting as many games as a result—he was in the XI for nine La Liga matches last term—although he has showcased enough class to suggest he could make a big impression from the bench.
For Zidane, having variety in the final third is vital, as he seeks to put Madrid back on top of Spanish and European football. Provided he's fit, there's no reason why Vinicius can't become a useful short-term part of a refreshed forward line, with a view to being a huge long-term success with Los Blancos.
Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos Wants Game Time, Will 'Think About the Future Later'
Jul 1, 2019
Dani Ceballos has not yet thought about his Real Madrid future but said he wants to play more often.
The midfielder spoke after helping Spain beat Germany 2-1 in the UEFA Under-21 European Championship on Sunday.
The Spaniard is a technically gifted and dynamic midfielder, who excels in using his skills on the ball to drive his side forward through the middle of the park.
He's creative, too, and can pick out team-mates well in the final third.
Ceballos offers something different to Zidane's preferred midfield trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro.
ESPN's David Cartlidge expects him to go on a lengthy loan spell away from Madrid:
I think barring a dramatic change in plans, he goes out on a two year loan with option to recall after one. And yes, just those and Mayoral. All three likely getting loans or sales with buyback.
Ceballos' performances this summer are a reminder that he's ready to contribute much more with Los Blancos, but since a more significant role does not appear forthcoming under Zidane, a loan might be the best option.
He'll have a better chance of earning the playing time he desires elsewhere, but there will remain the possibility that he could yet return to Real and play a key role further down the line.
Miguel Almiron: 'I Know Nothing' of Real Madrid Transfer Rumours
Jun 27, 2019
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Miguel Almiron of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Newcastle United at The King Power Stadium on April 12, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
Newcastle United midfielder Miguel Almiron has said he is unaware of Real Madrid's reported interest in signing him, but it is an honour to be linked to such a club.
Per Goal's Chris Burton, the Paraguay international spoke to reporters during the Copa America: "I know nothing. I know nothing of it. Of course, for me it is an honour that a team of this size has an interest in my football. But, as I said, I do not know anything, and now I'm focused on the Copa America and Newcastle."
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TyC Sports (h/t AS) previously reported Real have been watching the former Atlanta United star at the Copa America, where he has been a standout.
The report also stated his future was connected to that of manager Rafa Benitez, who will be leaving St. James' Park at the end of June:
It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benítez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on 30th June 2019.
Almiron only joined Newcastle in January in a club-record €24 million move, per AS. He's been a hit for the Magpies during his short time in the Premier League, and his fine club form has carried over to the national team.
He was the star man in the 1-1 draw with Argentina:
Miguel Almirón’s game by numbers vs. Argentina:
100% final third pass accuracy 100% take-ons successful 100% tackles won 96% pass accuracy 6 ball recoveries 1 assist
While a transfer just six months after joining the club would seem unlikely, the uncertainty surrounding Newcastle means it can't be ruled out. With Benitez on his way out, a new manager will take over, and it's unclear whether he will have plans for the playmaker.
Los Blancos have already had a busy summer and brought in another Premier League star in Chelsea's Eden Hazard. The Spanish giants have also invested in Luka Jovic, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo, and more arrivals are expected.
Almiron is a fine player, but his statistical output is limited―he has yet to score in the Premier League―and he doesn't appear to have much room for growth left.
He may earn his move to a bigger club at some point in the future, but will likely have to show more at Newcastle first in order to do so. The Magpies are not expected to sell less than a year after breaking their transfer record for him unless Los Blancos are willing to pay a lot more than the €24 million they invested in January.
Bale, Llorente, Ceballos and More: Real Madrid's Sale of the Century
Jun 27, 2019
On June 18, Real Madrid unveiled the 18-year-old Brazilian sensation Rodrygo Goes.
The club had just shovelled more attacking ammunition into the hands of coach Zinedine Zidane. They are desperate to try to replace the goals that disappeared when Cristiano Ronaldo—a player who averaged 50 goals a season over a nine-year period—departed for Juventus last summer and to atone for their worst season this century.
Rodrygo was the third new attacking player to be presented in six days, following the blockbuster arrival of Eden Hazard—which drew a crowd of 50,000 to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium—and Luka Jovic, a 21-year-old Serbian striker who reportedly cost €60 million.
Defenders Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao have also joined, pushing the club's summer spending to over €300 million. Rodrygo's addition to the team's roster raises the question, though: What will Real Madrid do with all this firepower?
Real Madrid now have five centre forwards in their squad—Karim Benzema, Jovic, Raul de Tomas, Mariano and Borja Mayoral—and 12 attacking players in total spread across its squad of 36 players; think Gareth Bale, Isco, Vinicius Junior, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez, Hazard. The list of attacking players goes on and on.
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They have a surplus in every position, including four goalkeepers. Yet Real Madrid are only allowed to start the La Liga season in August with 25 players in their squad. Los Blancos have created the grounds for a fire sale of unprecedented proportion.
"This summer is unique," says Juanma Trueba, a Spanish football writer. "The club have never had as many players to sell because the club experienced such anxiety last season and what has happened in the league for the last couple of seasons [finishing 17 and 19 points behind Barcelona in 2018 and 2019, respectively]. It's a great opportunity for all the big clubs in Europe who want to buy good footballers for interesting prices.
"Before, Real Madrid went out and bought the big star of the day, but this time they are forcing themselves to trade so many players in an attempt to get in good players and to overhaul the squad. It's a difficult thing to do to improve on the team's quality, because the players they had—which delivered three Champions Leagues in a row for Zidane—have been excellent."
It was noticeable that club president Florentino Perez cited the club's disappointment that Julen Lopetegui couldn't achieve better results with his squad—which included a club-record eight players on the Ballon d'Or list—in the official statement announcing he was sacked as Real Madrid coach last October, straight after a 5-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Clasico at the Camp Nou.
"My worry is that Real Madrid will sell their best players that want to leave while other teams will reinforce themselves," says Trueba. "The market is always interested in talented players. If Real Madrid sells Bale, for example, which it seems they will eventually do at some point this summer, where are they going to find a player as good to replace him? If they sell Isco, what player will they get to compensate for him?
"It seems a complicated situation. Maybe these older players on the squad don't generate much 'ilusion' [excitement] anymore, but is Mendy better than Marcelo when Marcelo is at his best? I have my doubts. Is Hazard better than Cristiano? Real Madrid are carrying out a revolution of their squad because the team have been poor the last two years and because experienced players are not interesting anymore for fans, but will their replacements be an improvement?
"Also, buying clubs know that Real Madrid are in a very poor negotiating position because Real Madrid are waiting to sell. They have a squad that is overstocked. It's hard to sell well in this position—to put sufficient value on your product.
"If a player doesn't have a place in the squad, he will have to go out on loan. Sergio Reguilon is a good player who needs to be in a team. Marcos Llorente was another player. He got impatient. He went to Atletico Madrid. Atletico Madrid have just made a good acquisition with Llorente, a player who is young and who I believe will triumph at Atletico Madrid because the club will give him the confidence to thrive."
The sale of 24-year-old Llorente—who won the man-of-the-match award at last year's FIFA Club World Cup final in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates—to Atletico for €40 million is an interesting case.
It's rare clubs sell players to their main rivals, especially within the same city. (Interestingly, his father Paco Llorente went the opposite direction in 1987.) It could come back to haunt Real Madrid. There is a counter-argument, however, that Real Madrid have got a good fee for taking the risk.
"Selling Llorente was good business for Real Madrid," says Santiago Segurola, a columnist with El Pais. "He had two years in Real Madrid's first team squad. He didn't establish himself as an undisputed starter. I believe the fee that Atletico Madrid paid for him is very high for a player who only played six games as a starter last season because of an injury to Casemiro, and for a player of his age.
"As a midfielder he's unfocused. He lacks concentration. He will do better with Diego Simeone [Atletico's manager] than with Zidane. It is no surprise that he has been discarded."
Real Madrid have done well selling players in recent times. The club offloaded Angel Di Maria to Manchester United in 2014 for a British club-transfer record. He never played as well again.
They got good money—€45 million excluding add-ons—for Mesut Ozil the previous season. In 2016, Real got Paris Saint-Germain to cough up €25 million for Jese, a squad player whose career has since gone into decline. There is a lustre to the Real Madrid brand when it comes to horse-trading.
"What Real Madrid do well is selling," says Segurola. "The sight of a Real Madrid jersey is a plus for the player. Llorente, if he had gone to Atletico from, say, Alaves, he would have cost less than €30 million.
"The same with the market value of Jesus Vallejo or Dani Ceballos. Their value increases because they play with Real Madrid. Why? Because obviously they have certain quality, but also they have potential to improve because they have yet to make that jump and establish themselves as a regular team player. Until now, they haven't had proper continuity."
Ceballos—who scored two goals on his full La Liga debut for Real Madrid against Alaves in September 2017—is another exciting young player who is on the exit ramp. He's part of a group of 13 players—including Llorente—who Marca valued at €475 million in transfer-fee potential, with a view to Real Madrid recouping €300 million from that list.
Ceballos is tearing it up again at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, a tournament in which he was voted player of the tournament two years ago. He will be the fulcrum of Spain's team in its semi-final against France on Thursday.
"Ceballos never caught Zidane's attention. Zidane prefers other types of footballers," says Manuel Bruna, a journalist with Mundo Deportivo. "He doesn't think he's that good. He doesn't believe in his style of play. It's a trainer's imperative. Everybody says that Ceballos is very good but there are certain trainers who don't like him, and Zidane is one of them. Ceballos doesn't have a place in his team. He doesn't count on him."
Part of the problem for Ceballos is that he's competing against Luka Modric, the Ballon d'Or holder, for a starting place on Real Madrid's team. His tiki-taka style of play isn't suited to Real Madrid's more cavalier, counter-attacking philosophy, either.
If he is sold—and his suitors reportedly include Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur—it will be another nail in the coffin for Real Madrid's policy of signing the best of Spain's young talent over the last several seasons. Other starlets—such as Sergio Canales and Asier Illarramendi—have come and gone over the years.
"Real Madrid's youth transfer policy has been a failure," says Bruna. "Of all those players they've signed, none of them have become guaranteed starters. None have triumphed. Isco has only occasionally played well, but he's not a starter. Theo [Hernandez] will possibly go to Milan. Ceballos might go to Sevilla. Illarra [Illarramendi] returned to Real Socieded. Isco's future is up in the air."
Trueba points out the fatal flaw in the plan: "Real Madrid are the club with the least patience in the world, and they go out and sign young players, which by definition need time and nurturing. It's an important paradox. Now we have Vinicius. It seems like he could be a great player, but I wonder will Real Madrid have patience with him or if they will give him the conditions to develop.
"Who knows, Rodrygo could be a super 'crack' [star player], but a player who is only 18 years old needs game time. He needs to be given time to grow, but at Madrid, he won't get that space. The club has Jovic, Hazard, Vinicius, Brahim [Diaz], who they signed from Manchester City, so it will be difficult to see where Rodrygo will get the opportunity to shine at Real Madrid."
Bale's name looms large on Real Madrid's transfer list. He was the world's most expensive player when he signed for the club in 2013, and although he has won four UEFA Champions League medals, he cuts an isolated figure at the club.
He doesn't feature in Zidane's plans for next season, but he has no plans to leave over the summer, according to Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett. Barnett joked last week that he had as much chance of winning at a famous English horse racing track as Bale had of going out on a loan deal. He knows he's in a strong bargaining position.
"Bale has reason in this stand-off," says Segurola. "He has a contract until 2022. He has a right to defend his position. There's this misguided notion that if a club want to sell him, the player will be happy to go. He knows he's on the cusp of 30 years of age. He has factors in his favour in this dispute. He has a great salary. He knows that Real Madrid have to try to sell him. They need to get a lot of money in. If not, they will have to pay him his €15 million salary this season.
"It's obvious that Bale's transfer fee hasn't increased over the last couple of years, but it's also true that there are teams in England that have interest in getting Bale because of his football and commercial value. At the moment, the club are in selling mode, but once 'Operation Exit' nears completion, I believe that Bale's situation will be resolved."
There are a lot of business deals Real Madrid must get done in the meantime. Real Madrid have stolen a march on their major European rivals by getting so many new players in early in the summer. Trueba reckons the club—if they can sell well—might have the appetite to make one more big splash in the market by the time the Spanish market closes on September 2.
"I don't rule out the possibility that Real Madrid's big signing this summer has yet to come, whether that's Neymar or Kylian Mbappe," says Trueba. "They are the only two players in the market who carry this weight, the kind of player who could rekindle Real Madrid's reputation as the home of the Galacticos.
"Of course, it depends on the balance of income. If Real Madrid sell well, players like Isco, Bale, or a player like Raphael Varane who would command a big transfer fee, then watch out. You can bet that Real Madrid are paying attention to every possibility. Hazard was a great signing, but I have the feeling the president is preparing to deliver a bombshell."
Toni Kroos: Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo Juventus Sale 'Made Everyone Happy'
Jun 27, 2019
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, right, and Real Madrid's Toni Kroos, left, celebrates after toni scoring Valencia against during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valencia and Real Madrid at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos believes the club's decision to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus last summer "made everyone happy."
The Portuguese forward made the surprise move to Italy after spending nine years at Los Blancos, with whom he became the club's all-time record goalscorer.
While Madrid endured a torrid term following the departure of their star man, Kroos told SportBild that, at the time, the choice made sense for all parties (h/t Daniel Lewis of Goal).
"It would be strange if you didn't miss someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has decided so many matches with his goals," he said. "His transfer, however, made everyone happy. He wanted a new experience and Real Madrid earned a lot of money."
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Ronaldo went on to have a positive first season with Juventus, netting 21 times and grabbing eight assists in 31 Serie A appearances. The 34-year-old was key in the Bianconeri once again dominating the Italian top flight and coasting to the title by an 11-point margin.
However, the Juventus No. 7 didn't end the campaign at the top of the domestic goalscoring charts, as he did so frequently for Real Madrid:
🇮🇹 Top scorers in Serie A 2018/19:
⚽️2⃣6⃣ 👕3⃣7⃣ Fabio Quagliarella ⚽️2⃣3⃣ 👕3⃣7⃣ Duván Zapata ⚽️2⃣2⃣ 👕3⃣7⃣ Krzysztof Piątek ⚽️2⃣1⃣ 👕3⃣1⃣ Cristiano Ronaldo ⚽️1⃣7⃣ 👕3⃣5⃣ Arkadiusz Milik pic.twitter.com/Nh0YqtHXF3
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 12, 2019
Although Juventus were eliminated in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by Ajax, Ronaldo had a memorable night in the last 16 against Atletico Madrid:
Los Blancos failed to bring in a like-for-like replacement for Ronaldo, and the team suffered as a result.
Not only did they lack a decisive influence in the final third, but the team were also devoid of leadership from the dugout following the departure of Zinedine Zidane in the same summer. Julen Lopetegui was sacked early in his tenure, while his replacement, Santiago Solari, was also dismissed before the end of the season.
In an attempt to remedy their slide, Madrid brought back Zidane for a second spell as manager, and the club has backed him with some big spending in this transfer window. Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Ferland Mendy have already arrived:
Real Madrid will have spent in excess of €300m by next week. Hazard (€100m upfront), Jovic (€65m), Militao (€50m), Rodrygo (€45m) and Mendy (€55m, will happen soon). A squad in need of serious renovation but a club acting decisively. Big clear out now the priority. https://t.co/jH6QCcJl8S
While Los Blancos haven't made any major midfield additions to compete with the likes of Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro, there is continued speculation linking them with a move for Manchester United's Paul Pogba.
Per the Spanish Football Podcast, Donny van de Beek is also on their radar:
Real Madrid being linked to a new midfielder every day...
— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) June 25, 2019
Like the vast majority of Madrid's star players, Kroos was below his best last term. Those who frequent the Santiago Bernabeu will hope a full pre-season working with Zidane can be a catalyst for the German's return to form.
For Kroos, who thrives when there's movement ahead of him on the field, having potent forwards like Jovic and Hazard in the team should improve his game. Now 29, the playmaker will be keen to make the most of the remaining peak years of his career.
