REAL MADRID PLAN REVIEW OF €13M MIDFIELD PROSPECT AS CLUB WEIGHS NEXT MOVE
Real Madrid are considering activating a €13m buyback clause for former academy midfielder Chema Andres. The 20-year-old is impressing at Stuttgart, emerging as a potential long-term solution for Los Blancos' midfield.
Chema Andrés left Real Madrid this summer. / Alberto Gardin/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric during the past two summers, Real Madrid has been searching for their new midfield general. At the Santiago Bernabeu, there is a sense that a player with greater capacity to control traffic in the middle of the pitch is needed, despite the initial optimism that Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga would be able to cover their significant void.
At least that was the final thing Los Blancos had to think about this summer. President Florentino Perez reportedly believes that Rodri Hernandez is the only player worth spending a fortune on, while Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton was regarded as a late addition after being scouted earlier this year. Kees Smit, a Dutch talent, has been proposed as another, younger option.
Real Madrid will assess a €13 million midfield alternative.
Chema Andres, who departed the team this summer, might be a surprise alternative gathering pace. Despite only costing €3 million to join Stuttgart, the 20-year-old has made an impression in the Bundesliga thus far. Andres has adapted well to German football thanks to his commanding height of 190 cm, but he has also shown great ball-handling skills from the start. According to Cadena SER, Los Blancos may re-sign him for €16 million in 2027 and €13 million next summer thanks to a repurchase clause. Considering his growth, this seems like a rather affordable price to pay. In the upcoming months, Real Madrid will monitor his development before deciding.
Andres' Stuttgart appearance
Andres has only played 387 minutes, so it is still early for the young midfield player in Germany. In his eight appearances, four of which were starts, he has contributed a goal and an assist. He has made his debut for the Spain under-21 team thanks to these efforts. Fran Garcia has only played a squad part; therefore, it is true that Los Blancos have not been fast to use their buyback option on him in recent years.
GOAL OF MONTH SHORTLIST INCLUDES WOLTEMADE’S BRILLIANT STRIKE
Newcastle's German star Leon Woltemade is nominated for Premier League Goal of the Month for his superb flick against Brighton. Vote now for the summer signing's improvised Amex finish.
Woltemade receives Goal of the Month nomination - Credit: Getty Images
Earlier this month, the Magpies fell 2-1 against Brighton, but the German international's incredible flick tied the score.
However, the summer acquisition, who has scored six goals for United since joining from Stuttgart in the summer, grabbed attention at the Amex Stadium with a superb improvised finish from Lewis Miley's low cross.
Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert of Bournemouth, Zian Flemming and Loum Tchaouna of Burnley, Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, Aston Villa's Emi Buendia, and Mo Salah of Liverpool are also on the shortlist.
Supporters of the Magpies may cast their votes for Woltemade by visiting here, and voting will begin at 1 pm GMT on Thursday, October 30. The winner will be revealed on Friday, November 7th at 1 pm GMT.
HUGE LISANDRO MARTINEZ UPDATE EMERGES AS UNITED PREPARE FOR FOREST ENCOUNTER
Manchester United receive a major boost as Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training. The Argentine defender has been out since February with a knee injury and is now closing in on a first-team return.
Martinez injury boost lifts United spirits ahead of Nottingham Forest trip - COURTESY/PHOTO
Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training, giving Manchester United a significant conditioning boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Lisandro Martinez has returned to first-team training for Manchester United, giving them a significant fitness boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Due to a serious knee injury sustained during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, the Argentina international has not played for the 20-time English champions since early February.
However, Martinez has been speeding up his recuperation in recent weeks, and on Wednesday, the former Ajax centre-back was allowed to rejoin his teammates for training.
It is extremely doubtful that Martinez will play for Man United when they travel to Forest on Saturday, but the 27-year-old might return to the team for the match against Tottenham Hotspur on November 9.
Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United resumes training with the first team.
According to Man United head coach Ruben Amorim, "He’s feeling fine," last week. "I do not want to mention a single day or week because the knee is doing so wonderfully.
"I am not sure, but the team's training is about to begin. After that, Licha's rhythm will determine whether he places or not, but he is closer to starting training again.
The Red Devils will not be taking any chances with the Argentine because of the severity of the injury, and his return may be postponed until after the international break in November.
Luke Shaw's place in the starting lineup is now seriously threatened; therefore, Martinez's return is a significant boost for the 20-time English champions. Martinez is an expert in the left-sided role in the back three.
After joining Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer of 2022, the South American has made 91 appearances for the Red Devils, tallying three goals and three assists.