“My decision has been clear” - Nacho speaks up on Real Madrid return speculation amid Los Blancos’ injury crisis
Former Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez has quashed all speculations that he could be on his way back to the Spanish side amid their injury crisis. Los Blancos are currently struggling with injuries at the backline this season, with only two senior centre-backs available for selection.
A product of the famed La Fabrica youth system of Real Madrid, Nacho went from young prospect to captain of the club. He has played 364 games for the Madrid-based side, scoring 16 goals and making 10 assists. He eventually left this summer to ply trade in the Saudi Pro League. The Spaniard joined Al-Qadisiyah and has nicely settled into life in Saudi Arabia.
With club football suspended while the international break is on, Nacho Fernandez had time to sit down with COPE for an interview. The 32-year-old revealed that there is no truth in rumors linking him to Real Madrid, adding that he is enjoying his time in Saudi.
"No one from Real Madrid called me," Nacho said via Fabrizio Romano. "Even if they call me, I’m not gonna return. My decision has been clear, it’s not about playing or not… my chapter there is closed. I’m very happy in Saudi, my focus is here."
Nacho plays for a star-studded Al-Qadisiyah side that are placed fifth in the Saudi top-flight after 10 games this season. His teammates in Al-Khobar include Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ezequiel Fernandez, Koen Casteels, and Nahitan Nandez among several others.
Real Madrid lost Eder Militao and Lucas Vazquez to injury over the weekend, with the former sidelined for the rest of the season after tearing his ACL. The Spanish giants are left with only Antonio Rudiger and Jesus Vallejo as their senior centre-back options, with David Alaba also out because of an injury.
Carlo Ancelotti's side have reportedly been linked with a number of free agents, particularly former captain Sergio Ramos, as they look to salvage their season. The club will look to make some additions in the January transfer window to strengthen their defensive line.
Real Madrid open to €15 million move for Bundesliga winner - Reports
Real Madrid are prepared to sanction a move to sign Germany international Jonathan Tah on a permanent basis from Bayer Leverkusen amid their injury crisis. The experienced centre-back has made his wishes to leave the Bundesliga champions clear after helping the club win the 2023-24 league title.
Bild have reported via SPORT that Tah will be allowed to leave the BayArena for around €15 million in January 2025, six months before he becomes a free agent. The opportunity may prove to be a good one for the Spanish champions, with the experience and quality of the 28-year-old certain to be of interest to them.
Tah has been on the radar of multiple sides since the summer of 2024, but failed to negotiate an exit from Bayer Leverkusen. As a result, he decided against signing a new deal with the club and will leave as a free agent in 2025. He can, however, be allowed to leave in January if his valuation is met by any side.