Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Eden Hazard could retire in 2024; Kroos, Modric renewal won't affect Jude Bellingham pursuit, and more - May 9, 2023
Real Madrid welcome Manchester City to the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Carlo Ancelotti's team will be keen to take control of the tie at home.
Meanwhile, midfielder Eden Hazard could retire in 2024. Elsewhere, the renewal of midfield stalwarts Toni Kroos and Luka Modric will not affect Los Blancos' plans to sign Borussia Dortmund youngster Jude Bellingham.
On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on May 9, 2023:
Eden Hazard could retire in 2024
Eden Hazard could hang up his boots at the end of next season, according to Relevo via Caught Offside.
The Belgian forward’s contract with Real Madrid expires in the summer of 2024, but the La Liga giants are not planning on handing him a new deal. The 32-year-old has been a shadow of his former self since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2019 and is not part of future plans.
Los Blancos want the player to move on at the end of this season, but Hazard is planning to see off his contract at the club. There’s isn’t too much interest in his signature either, which is understandable given his struggles over the years at Real Madrid. The 32-year-old has managed just seven goals in 75 games across competitions since his arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.
There has been talk of a return to Chelsea, where he played some of the best football of his career. However, that looks highly unlikely now. Unless there’s interest in his signature next summer, Hazard could seriously consider retirement in 2024.
Toni Kroos, Luka Modric renewal won't affect Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham pursuit
The contract renewals of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric will have no bearing on Real Madrid’s plans to sign Jude Bellingham, according to acclaimed transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The La Liga giants are closing in on the English midfielder, who's set to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season. Los Blancos are spoilt for choice in midfield, but the 19-year-old’s arrival is likely to help in the succession plans for Kroos and Modric.
The veteran duo is set to extend their stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for at least another year. That has raised doubts regarding an impending move for Bellingham. However, Real Madrid consider the Englishman as a crucial part of their plans for the present and future.
Los Blancos have already agreed personal terms with the 19-year-old and are working to strike a deal with Dortmund.
Toni Kroos wants more protection for Vinicius Junior
Toni Kroos wants Vinicius Junior to receive more protection from referees. The Brazilian forward has been on fire once again this season for Real Madrid, scoring 22 goals and setting up 21 in 50 appearances across competitions. The 22-year-old has been among the most fouled players in Europe this season, while he has also drawn controversy with his on-pitch conduct.
Vinicius is likely to be in the thick of things once again on Tuesday when Los Blancos face Manchester City in the Champions League. Ahead of the game, Kroos said that the Brazilian will deal with controversial situations better once he gains more experience.
"It’s important to stress that he’s still very young. These are situations he hasn’t gone through a thousand times in his life. And he’s the player who has made the difference for us this season. It’s not normal to perform so well throughout the season, never getting injured," said Kroos.
He added:
"If you ask any defender, I’m sure they’ll say that playing against him is very challenging. He always looks to take his man on one-against-one. He has brought us this far. As for the everything else, he’s young, and he has to learn."
Kroos also advised Vinicius to stay calm and focus on his game when the opposition attempt to provoke him.
"Sometimes, he’s provoked, and the referees’ decisions don’t help, but he has to learn that he will have to deal with this for the next 15 years. He needs to stay calm and play his own game," said Kroos.
He continued:
"He deserves a bit more protection from the referees. There’s often an atmosphere that doesn’t help anyone. Players like him are the ones we want to see on the field, and they need to be protected."
Real Madrid will hope that Vinicius can inspire them to victory against the Cityzens on Tuesday.