Real Madrid eye move to sign Brazilian defender with €100 million release clause amidst centre-back crisis: Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly contemplating a move for Palmeiras centre-back Victor Reis amidst a crisis in the heart of defense. Joan Martinez's ACL injury has left only three fit centre-backs in the squad.
The 16-year-old Martinez impressed in the recent pre-season tour of the US and was set to appear in the UEFA Super Cup clash with UEFA Europa League winners Atalanta in Warsaw on August 14.
However, he tore his ACL in training on Friday (August 9) and faces a long stint in the sidelines. That has left Los Blancos with only three fit centre-backs - Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo - in their squad.
To mitigate the defensive crisis, the reigning La Liga and UEFA Champions League winners are eyeing the 18-year-old Reis, as per Mundo Deportivo (via Football Espana). The report says that Reis recently inked a contract extension that has a reported release clause of €100 million.
It's pertinent to note that even if the Brazilian defender arrives at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, he's unlikely to immediately contend for a place in the first team.
"I'm fit and ready" - Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois allays fitness concerns
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is coming off an ACL injury, which sidelined him for nearly the entirety of the last season. The 32-year-old returned just before the season ended, keeping five straight clean sheets, one of which was in the 2-0 Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund.
Ahead of the start of the new campaign, Courtois has said that he's fit and raring to go after a difficult 2023-24 season on a personal level even as Los Blancos won three titles, including the La Liga-UEFA Champions League double.
“I’m fit and ready for next season. The end of last season was good for me. I’m happy with the way I ended a very difficult season, said Courtois.
"I started this season very well, and I hope everything continues like this.I feel good, I have no problems, and that’s the most important thing.” he said (as per RMTV via Madrid Universal).
Exuding confidence with a youthful roster, Courtois continued:
“Although we don’t pay much attention to records and with team, we have with many young players who are motivated to win titles.
"I’m sure we will do everything we can to win and that means breaking another record. It’s a good motivation, but the most important thing is to win the title."
Real Madrid won only one of their three games in pre-season on their tour of the US. They open their La Liga title defence at Mallorca on August 18.