It does not get bigger than playing for Real Madrid in any top footballer’s career. Given the club’s trophy-filled cabinets and rich history, players dream of receiving Los Blancos’ interest in the transfer market.
The converse also is seemingly true. Once recruited by the Merengues, any move away is perceived as a step-down. Thus, some would prefer to stay on the bench at the Bernabeu than play elsewhere.
According to reports from AS (h/t Madrid Xtra), Jesus Vallejo is the latest to take the aforementioned decision. The centre-back wants to stay at the club even if he is the fifth-choice centre-back for Carlo Ancelotti.
While the Spaniard has been impressive in his few opportunities, it is clear that there are better options at the manager’s disposal. The likes of Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Nacho Fernandez are all ahead of Vallejo on the pecking order, making it difficult for him to see minutes in Madrid.
At just 26 years of age, Vallejo has his best years ahead of him and could make it big at any other European club. However, the Spaniard prioritises donning the Real Madrid badge and wishes to fight for a spot in the future.
The defender is yet to play this season in La Liga and made just five appearances in the competition in 2021/22. In his 345 minutes last season, he oversaw two clean sheets and averaged close to ten defensive actions per game.
Vallejo’s current deal with Los Blancos runs until the summer of 2025 and it remains to be seen if he extends his deal. Nevertheless, his contractual situation is not of priority now given that he has two more years left on his deal.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star visits Al Nassr manager amid exit links – report
Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images
It is an open secret that Real Madrid want to get rid of Eden Hazard. The Belgian has proven to be a waste of expenditure for the Whites, having performed poorly throughout his time at Santiago Bernabeu, all the while pocketing a lucrative pay package.
But ahead of a busy summer ahead, Real Madrid are ready to get rid of Hazard at the end of the season. And there are no shortage of suitors either, with Al Nassr among the clubs interested in his services.
A report from Mundo Deportivo even claims that Hazard went to meet Al Nassr manager Rudi Garcia in his office recently, as seen by El Chiringuito.
Hazard has a close relationship with Garcia, who had worked with the Belgian during their together at LOSC Lille. Garcia even played a significant role in helping the young forward kickstart his professional career.
It appears they could be in contention to reunite at Al Nassr, who are determined to attract more star players after capturing Cristiano Ronaldo on a bumper deal. The Saudi Arabian giants intend to become the biggest club in Asia and as part of their plans, they are targeting other top players across Europe.
Sergio Ramos is reportedly in talks with Al Nassr over a summer move and it appears Hazard, too, has joined the list of targets. The Belgian’s meeting with Garcia comes in the midst of the Spanish Supercup, which is being hosted by Saudi Arabia.
Real Madrid are involved in the competition and even beat Valencia to book a ticket to the final against FC Barcelona. Their former superstar Cristiano Ronaldo even visited the club’s training to visit some of his old teammates.
Source:madriduniversal.com
