Latest news with #DavidAlaba
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Madrid see €30m-rated Valencia defender as potential long-term solution
Carlo Ancelotti was tormented by the lack of depth at centre-back last season and paid the price for it in the form of Real Madrid's slip-ups across competitions. After all, Antonio Rudiger was playing through excruciating pain while David Alaba and Eder Militao spent more time injured than fit. Advertisement The arrival of Dean Huijsen, however, relieves pressure on the department to an extent. Even in that case, there is an equally strong stance that the men in white need at least one more player in the position going ahead this season. The La Liga option Los Blancos have been linked with several big names in the central defensive position in recent weeks with Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate and Arsenal's William Saliba standing out as seriously promising options. Now, as relayed by Real Madrid Confidencial, however, Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera has emerged as a strong candidate to reinforce the back-line and is a name Xabi Alonso approves. Cristhian Mosquera is on Real Madrid's radar. (Photo by) Advertisement Like Konate, he is a player who ends his contract in June 2026, giving Real Madrid a golden chance to pursue him on a free transfer next summer. After all, it has been the Galacticos' trend in recent years to follow free agents more closely. Despite being just 20 years of age, Mosquera is seen as one of La Liga's most promising defenders and Alonso sees a lot of value in acquiring his services now. Moreover, it will be relatively simple to pull off given Valencia's economic situation. The Mestalla-based club are expected to show minimal resistance to letting go of the defender given their need to sell players. The youngster is rated at €30 million and a fee around that ball-park could prove sufficient. *Player valuation in title obtained from on date of publication.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Madrid have big plans for 17-year-old academy ace in 2025/26 season
Real Madrid are already preparing for the next season under new manager Xabi Alonso, and one of the standout names in the latest update from AS is 17-year-old centre-back Joan Martinez. Despite missing the last campaign due to a serious injury, Martinez is now part of the club's long-term plans and may soon be training with the senior squad. Advertisement It is to be noted that Carlo Ancelotti faced plenty of problems with injuries in central defence last season, and Madrid want to make sure they are better prepared this time. Alonso need another centre-back With Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, and David Alaba already in the mix, that makes five centre-backs. But Xabi Alonso may shift to a three-at-the-back system, meaning the club needs a sixth and that role is being earmarked for Martinez. Real Madrid have big plans for Joan Martinez. (Photo by) Though Martinez is still recovering from a torn cruciate ligament that sidelined him for the whole season, his performance during the pre-season tour in the United States left a strong impression on the coaching staff last year. Advertisement At just 17, Madrid are taking a careful approach with him. His immediate playing time will come with the Castilla side, where he can rebuild fitness and confidence. Training with the first team Madrid's plan is simple but smart: ease Martinez back through youth matches while gradually introducing him to the rhythm of the senior team. He will train regularly with the first team and is expected to become a familiar face in that setup, even if he plays matches for Castilla on weekends. While Jacobo Ramon could see earlier call-ups due to fitness and sharpness, Martinez remains the jewel of the youth system. If all goes well, he could even end up as the fifth-choice centre-back by the time next season kicks off, which is a massive show of trust from Xabi Alonso and the club.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Real Madrid make financial intent clear with strict sales target set
According to a recent report from Fichajes, Real Madrid are preparing for a transformative summer in which they plan to generate more than €200 million through player sales. With Carlo Ancelotti set to leave the club this Saturday, departing as the most successful manager in Real Madrid's history, the Santiago Bernabeu is bracing for a new era under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, Florentino Perez's choice for the next chapter. Advertisement Though Alonso's arrival has yet to be officially confirmed, all signs suggest the former midfielder will take charge for the 2025–26 campaign. In anticipation, Real Madrid's sporting department has already begun outlining a squad reshuffle that aims to both strengthen the team and slash the wage bill dramatically. Key departures planned The club has identified several players who are no longer central to its sporting plans but whose departures could bring in significant funds and free up valuable salary space. Ferland Mendy is likely to leave Real Madrid. (Photo by) Ferland Mendy is one of the first names on the list. The French left-back is expected to bring in around €20 million from his sale, while also clearing €12 million in gross wages off the books. Advertisement David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez are also set to be offloaded. While their transfer values may not match Mendy's, the pair's exits would still contribute to a combined wage saving of €35 million, part of a broader effort to optimise squad cost-effectiveness. Big names could be sacrificed The most lucrative moves, however, would involve Dani Ceballos and Rodrygo Goes. Ceballos, who has struggled to cement a consistent role under Ancelotti, could bring in around €31 million when transfer fees and saved wages are considered. But the most significant financial windfall would come from Rodrygo's potential exit. Despite being a key figure in recent seasons, Rodrygo's name has surfaced in transfer talks, with the club reportedly prepared to sanction his sale for €90 million. Coupled with €16 million in gross salary savings, the Brazilian's departure could net Madrid a staggering €106 million in total.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Club World Cup set to decide future of six Real Madrid stars under Xabi Alonso
According to a recent report from SPORT, several Real Madrid players are facing uncertain futures as incoming manager Xabi Alonso prepares to take charge of his first matches. With no major silverware to show for the season, Real Madrid are now focusing on the upcoming Club World Cup, a rare opportunity to end a disappointing campaign with a trophy, and more importantly, a critical proving ground for fringe players. Advertisement This new edition of the Club World Cup will serve as a litmus test for several members of the current squad. While certain names like Jesus Vallejo and Lucas Vazquez are expected to depart regardless of performance, others still have a chance to convince Alonso they deserve to stay. Luka Modric, Dani Ceballos, Endrick, David Alaba, Rodrygo, and Fran Garcia are all players whose futures are not yet secure. Alaba and Garcia under pressure David Alaba is facing uncertain future. (Photo by) Alaba's situation is particularly delicate. The recovery of Eder Militao and Antonio Rüdiger, combined with the likely integration of young defender Dean Huijsen, means Alaba could start the season as Real Madrid's fourth-choice centre-back. Advertisement To add to the challenge, Alonso is said to be keen on giving youth academy talent Joan Martinez a shot in the first team. On the left flank, Garcia is under equally intense scrutiny. With Ferland Mendy recovering from injury and Alvaro Carreras heavily linked with a return to Madrid, the left-back position is facing an overload. Garcia will be the only natural left-back available for the Club World Cup and is expected to use the tournament as a final audition. If he fails to impress, he could be the one sacrificed when Mendy regains fitness and Carreras potentially arrives. Rodrygo and Endrick face different paths Rodrygo will play the FIFA Club World Cup for his future. (Photo by) Rodrygo's case is more complex. While the Brazilian has contributed in flashes, the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and the rise of Arda Guler may limit his minutes. If Madrid decide to cash in, Rodrygo's exit would come in the form of a permanent transfer, not a loan. Advertisement Endrick, on the other hand, is still seen as one for the future. While there is excitement about his potential, the plan may involve loaning him out to gain consistent playing time, especially if the attacking positions are crowded. Lastly, in midfield, Ceballos and Modric are also entering uncertain territory. The Croatian's time at Madrid may be drawing to a close unless he can prove to Alonso that he still has the legs and vision to contribute at the highest level. Meanwhile, Ceballos has struggled to consistently break into the starting XI and could be seen as expendable unless he shines at the Club World Cup.
New York Times
29-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Real Madrid's David Alaba suffers knee injury setback
Real Madrid defender David Alaba has suffered a meniscus injury in his left knee and is unlikely to feature again before the Club World Cup. Alaba is Madrid's third defender to have been confirmed as facing a layoff on Tuesday, with left-back Ferland Mendy set to miss the rest of the season after sustaining an injury during Saturday's 3-2 Copa del Rey final defeat by Barcelona and Antonio Rudiger expected to be sidelined for around six weeks after undergoing surgery for a meniscus tear. Advertisement Carlo Ancelotti's side are also without long-term defensive absentees Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao. Like Rudiger, the club expect Alaba, who will undergo minor surgery, is expected to return to selection for the revamped Club World Cup. Madrid get their tournament underway against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal on June 18. 32-year-old Alaba's season has been restricted by injury problems that have limited him to just seven appearances in La Liga across 2024-25. The Austria international started in both Madrid's Champions League quarter-final leg defeats against Arsenal earlier this month and most recently started in the league victory at Getafe on April 23. Alaba is now set to miss the remaining five matches of Madrid's La Liga campaign, including a potential title-deciding match away to Barcelona on May 11. Madrid's current central defensive options are limited to Raul Asencio and Aurelien Tchouameni, a midfielder by trade, with Castilla defender Jacobo Ramon another option. ()
