Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos want Joao Cancelo; club eyeing Roberto Firmino, and more - May 22, 2023
Real Madrid suffered a 1-0 defeat to Valencia at the Mestalla on Sunday (May 21) in La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti's team dropped to third in the league with three games left.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are interested in on-loan Manchester City right-back Joao Cancelo. Elsewhere, the La Liga giants want outgoing Liverpool attacker Roberto Firmino.
On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on May 22, 2023:
Real Madrid want Joao Cancelo
Real Madrid have entered the race to sign Joao Cancelo, according to Sport1. The Portuguese right-back joined Bayern Munich on loan from from Manchester City in January this year and is scheduled to return to the Etihad this summer. The Cityzens, though, are likely to let him leave, and there's a growing interest in his signature.
Los Blancos have now entered the fray as they look to bolster their full-back options. Dani Carvajal has shown signs of regression, while Ferland Mendy has struggled to perform at the highest level. The French full-back is not part of plans at the Santiago Bernabeu, and a departure looks inevitable this summer.
Cancelo's arrival could provide competition for Ceballos. The Portuguese is equally adept on both flanks and can also cover at left-back. City are likely to let Cancelo leave for €70 million, but Real Madrid face competition from Barcelona and Arsenal for his services.
Los Blancos eyeing Roberto Firmino
Real Madrid want to sign Roberto Firmino as a possible cover for Karim Benzema, according to Fichajes via Goal.
The Brazilian striker is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season as a free agent, and Los Blancos are eager to lap him up on a Bosman move. The 31-year-old has 12 goals and five assists in 34 games across competitions for the Reds this season.
The La Liga giants are looking to sign a new No. 9 this summer to provide cover for Benzema and have their eyes on Firmino. The French striker has struggled with injuries this campaign, and there's a lack of backup in the squad. Real Madrid have suffered in his absence and are planning to look for a solution this summer.
Benzema is expected to sign a new deal at the Bernabeu and stay at the club for at least one more season. Erling Haaland has already been earmarked as the Frenchman's long-term replacement and is likely to be pursued in 2024. Firmino could be a fine stopgap option this summer.
Vinicius Junior hits out at racial abuse
Vinicius Junior has labelled Spain as a country of racists after facing severe bullying during the defeat at Valencia.
The Brazilian was subject to constant abuse at the Mestalla culminating in a stoppage time red card. The 22-year-old has been at the receiving end of vile taunts from opposition fans this season.
Posting on social media (as cited by AS), Vinicius said that La Liga now belongs to the racists.
“It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga. The competition thinks it’s normal. The Federation thinks it’s normal, and the opponents encourage it. I am sorry. The league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi, today belongs to the racists," wrote Vinicius.
He continued:
"A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export to the world the image of a racist country. I am sorry for those Spaniards who disagree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for everything that happens every week, I have no defence. I agree. But I am strong, and I will go all the way against the racists.”
Despite the unfair treatment, Vinicius has no desire of leaving Real Madrid this summer, having signed a long-term deal with Los Blancos.