16 Apr 2019 10:20:54
Morning ED,

Are you able to give any indications on Real Madrid's summer transfer plans/ targets?

Im expecting them to invest heavily and with Zidane now back do they have clear targets?

Thanks Ed.

{Ed002's Note - It is something like this:

Real Madrid would like a LB, A CB, possibly two, two CM, one AM, one RW, one LW, a Striker and a versatile Forward to move their rebuild on. They do not want to make a change to the goalkeepers unless pressed in to it.

Kepa Arrizabalaga (G) don't be surprised by a significant offer if a G is required
David De Gea (G) don't be surprised by a significant offer if a G is required but interest also from elsewhere

Junior Firpo (LB) preferred option
Nicolas Tagliafico (LB) looking less likely

Eder Militao (CB) expensive but done
William Saliba (CB) one for the future but a great deal of interest from elsewhere - looking unlikely
Mario Hermoso (CB) - Real Madrid have an option to take him back at a fixed fee seeing him as cheap cover. They were going to take him in January to see the season out and then decide what to do with him in the longer term - but the player fears the lack of game time at Real Madrid and will likely reject the opportunity.
Kalidou Koulibaly (CB) only if Varane leaves

Declan Rice (DM) has been watched but a move remains unlikely, certainly this summer

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (CM) lost out on FdJ and a less grief option to Pogba.
Miralem Pjanic (CM) - after losing out on FdJ and Saul, RM are looking to Pjanic or possibly Rabiot or SMS to replace Kroos
Paul Pogba (CM)
Adrien Rabiot (CM) - issues with his "agent"; if they can be overcome then something can happen

Joao Felix (AM) - may be too expensive given other needs
Bruno Fernandes (AM) - if nothing can be done with JF
Nicolo Zaniolo (AM) - money may not stretch, lots of interest from elsewhere and player wants to stay in Rome - unlikely
Nabil Fekir (AM) watched again - interest gone
Paulo Dybala (AM/F) RM not convinced that the transition to Spain will be an easy one for him, but he remains an option
Pablo Sarabia (AM/W) - Real Madrid has an option and the player turned down the offer to join Chelsea mid season but both Chelsea and PSG will look to a summer move whilst Sevilla will look to a new contract
Christian Eriksen (AM) unlikely

Kylian Mbappe (RW/F) - seen as the Ronaldo replacement

Eden Hazard (LW/RWAM//F)
Sadio Mane (LW/F) Zidane was interested in SM before he moved to Liverpool and his performances this season mean that they could look again - but at this time I am not aware of any approach to Liverpool, but I cannot say if there has been an approach to his agents - would be a fall back position
Julian Brandt (LW/AM) fall back position
Neymar (LW) not going to happen

Luka Jovic (F) complicated but someone is trying to address that
Mauro Icardi (S) RM are considering their options for the striker postion, and the potential grief certain players can bring

Outbound:

Thibault Courtois (G) situation needs resolving
Keylor Navas (G) situation needs resolving

Dani Carvajal (RB) Odriozola will be first pick and the club are looking to promote from within (Sergio Lopez)
Marcelo (LB)
Theo Hernandez (LB)

Jesus Vallejo (CB)
Nacho Fernandez (CB)
Sergio Ramos (CB) maybe will take a couple of years playing elsewhere and then a final year back at Sevilla - perhaps not this summer
Raphael Varane (CB)

Casemiro (DM) will likely stay

Toni Kroos (CM) available but expensive
Luka Modric (CM) time has come

Isco (AM) up in the air still

Gareth Bale (W) is available to be sold or used in a part exchange deal but nobody is interested at this time - seen as one of the main reasons that the rebuild will take longer than planned as he wants to stay
Marco Asensio (AM/LW) interest from Inter offered as part of a deal with an English side but the player has said he does not want to leave

Karim Benzema (S) signed a new contract but is available


1.) 16 Apr 2019
16 Apr 2019 17:34:17
thats epic Ed thanks

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}


2.) 16 Apr 2019
16 Apr 2019 17:34:17
thats epic Ed thanks

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.)


3.) 23 Apr 2019
23 Apr 2019 08:31:20
Loving these summaries Ed002, thanks a mil for keeping us all up to date. So where does Achraf Hakimi's future lie? I assume he has no future at RM, do Dortmund want him permanently or is he available or of interest to whom? Thanks again.

{Ed002's Note - He will stay and complete his contract at Dortmund.}


4.) 24 Apr 2019
24 Apr 2019 13:32:38
Hey Ed. from liverpool page, I think you stated that Salah wanted to move to Madrid, and you have not mentioned him in your list, so is it a one sided affair with Salah trying to get to Madrid.

{Ed002's Note - Nothing has changed - they would be more interested if he and his agent dropped their demands over money and another matter.}


5.) 25 Apr 2019
24 Apr 2019 22:10:06
Ah I get you sir. Monay monay monay. Haha life of a footballer


6.) 25 Apr 2019
24 Apr 2019 22:13:24
I'm guessing by recent trends and demands he wants team to be built around him and make big bucks.

{Ed002's Note - It is not that but money is an issue.}


7.) 25 Apr 2019
25 Apr 2019 11:37:10
Fair point sir Edward the 2nd


8.) 29 Apr 2019
29 Apr 2019 06:52:12
Ed002, two things:

1) Why won't Neymar to RM happen?
2) Have RM looked at Jose Maria Gimenez?

{Ed002's Note - (1) Because PSG don't want to sell him this summer. (2) They look at lots of players.}


9.) 29 Apr 2019
29 Apr 2019 08:21:24
Thanks, Ed002.


10.) 03 May 2019
03 May 2019 21:16:09
That a big rebuild. Would they like that all done in one window ed or over a couple?
Even tho bale wants to stay would they not take a hit on him and lower his price?

{Ed002's Note - It will take time but they also know they are one of a number of sides looking to rebuild. The trouble with Bale is not just the asking price.}


11.) 04 May 2019
04 May 2019 07:08:55
Why have they left it till now ed to buy a whole squad nearly?
Most teams try replace a couple players every year, just feels like Madrid have left it very late.

{Ed002's Note - There are a number of sides doing the same thing and Madrid had to stablise with a manager.}


12.) 11 May 2019
11 May 2019 08:44:09
Thanks ed002 for the summary.

Is there any interest in Raphael Varane if so which clubs if your happy to share that information.

Thanks

{Ed002's Note - Raphael Varane (CB) was of prior interest of Mr Mourinho when at Manchester United and even if that interest were to return a discussion has already been held with another side - plus Madrid will try and tempt him to stay, although he wants out. I suspect he could easily be priced out of a move by RM looking to block the transfer. Juventus also had an enquiry rejected.}