Real Madrid name asking price for Ferland Mendy amid Saudi Pro League interest: Reports
Amid rumours of a possible move to Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid have reportedly named their asking price for left-back Ferland Mendy. According to El Nacional, Los Blancos will let go of the France international should an offer of €40million arrive.
Saudi Pro League outfits are continuing their search for talent among Europe's top clubs after the Saudi Public Investment Fund took control of four clubs in the League. These four include Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli and Al Hilal. Top players like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Neves amongst others have made the switch to the Middle East
Benzema, Real Madrid's long-term servant, has completed his move to Al-Ittihad and Mendy could follow his former teammate a Saudi club.The left-back's current contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires in June 2025 and has a release clause of €250m. However, the Spanish giants are willing to offload the player should the right offer arrive.
Fran Garcia's signing from Rayo Vallecano could hamper Mendy's playing time if the player is brought into the first-team set-up. David Alaba or Eduardo Camavinga could also fill in at left-back if needed.
Mendy has made over 133 appearances for Real Madrid since joining the club in 2019. He has scored five goals and given 10 assists across all competitions. The Frenchman has eight major trophies to his name during his time in Madrid. This includes a UEFA Champions League trophy, two La Liga titles, and a FIFA Club World Cup, among others.
Gareth Bale talks about Cristiano Ronaldo from his time at Real Madrid
Former Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale announced his retirement from professional football earlier this year. The former Wales international shared the dressing with Cristiano Ronaldo for several years during his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Whilst speaking with German golfer Martin Borgmeier on his YouTube channel, the former Tottenham Hotspur striker was asked about the Portugal icon. In response to the question, Bale said:
"He had his moments like, for example, we win 5-0 but he doesn't score, so he comes in and throws his boots like he's angry. It's like a team winning the Ryder Cup but you didn't get a point so you're angry."
The left-footed winger made 258 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 106 goals and providing 67 assists in all competitions. He also won 17 major trophies for the La Liga outfit. Bale shared the pitch with Ronaldo in 157 games winning a whopping 106 games. The duo jointly participated for 41 goals.