“There are Mbappe, Vinicius, Rodrygo and Bellingham” - Real Madrid attacker explains decision to leave
Real Madrid's attacker, Iker Bravo, has explained why he's leaving Santiago Bernabeu in the summer transfer window.
The 19-year-old striker's loan deal expires this summer, after which he will be leaving Los Blancos. A large part of that decision has seemingly come down to the fact that his game time in the first team will be limited next season.
Bravo's preferred position down the middle will most probably be occupied by the incoming Kylian Mbappe. Although he can also play out wide, the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo are sure-shot starters on the flanks.
Amid these circumstances, Bravo told MARCA (via Fabrizio Romano):
"I'm now looking for a project where I can play and feel important. Maybe with good numbers in two or three years I could return to Real Madrid one day.
"Now there are Mbappe, Vini, Rodrygo, Jude... no space for Academy players."
Following this stint, Bravo will seemingly return to Bayer Leverkusen, where he is contracted. Not only has the player decided against continuing, but reports suggested that the Madrid-based side weren't convinced by Bravo as well (via Tribal Football).
During his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Spanish player has failed to make a senior appearance. He's played 25 matches across competitions for Real Madrid Castilla, bagging three goals and no assists.
When Carlo Ancelotti made claim about giving youngster minutes at Real Madrid
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti made a bold statement regarding giving youngsters at the Santiago Bernabeu minutes in important matches. This response came when he was quizzed about Arda Guler following a 3-0 win against Cadiz in May.
The Turkey international got the rare opportunity of starting that match but was taken off for Jude Bellingham after 66 minutes. When questioned about Guler's withdrawal, Ancelotti said (via Managing Madrid):
"He had the role he was meant to have. Today, I took him away because I wanted to win the game. Real Madrid brought me here to win matches, not to give youngster minutes, and I wanted to put fresh legs in.
"The young players have progressed very well, and the veterans continue to give fantastic performances."
Guler was considered among the top talents in Europe when he joined Los Blancos in the summer of 2023 for a reported €20 million. However, he made just 12 appearances across competitions this season, bagging six goals and failed to assist.