Despite the ongoing struggles of Spain’s top-flight sides, reports continue to link them with potential transfers.
While both Real Madrid and Barcelona are reported to be in some kind of financial distress – the latter more than the former – they continue to splurge in the transfer market. Barcelona have signed four players so far this summer, even though there is a risk that none of them will be allowed to play for the club this season.
Real Madrid have completed the signing of David Alaba from Bayern Munich on a free transfer. Reports, however, continue to link the pair with big-money moves.
According to Le10Sport, the Catalans are keen on LOSC Lille midfielder Renato Sanches. The Portuguese midfielder has had a career renaissance in France after disappointing spells in the Premier League and the Bundesliga.
At Lille, Sanches has revived his career and was crucial to the team’s ascent to the French summit last season. Les Dogues won the league title ahead of heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain, with Sanches playing an important role.
However, Barcelona’s financial troubles mean that a move will be difficult to materialize. The Blaugrana have to reduce their giant wage bill ahead of next season; else they will be restricted from registering new signings. Interestingly, Barcelona are also in negotiations with Lionel Messi over a contract extension that would keep him at the club beyond this summer.
Real Madrid, too, are keen to sign a new midfielder this summer. Los Blancos are keen on Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino but will have to pay a huge transfer fee to secure his services – reports OK Diario.
Merino’s club is said to be asking for a fee of 60 million euros from Real Madrid to part ways with its star asset. New Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti is very keen on the midfielder, although the club’s financial difficulties could make a transfer unfeasible.
