The relentless speculation that surrounds the Bernabeu has come to be expected and this week the latest Real Madrid transfer news is focused on two players that could be on their way out over the next couple of months. The Spanish giants remain keen on improving their overall depth but any potential move would come at a price and they don’t appear interested in adding before shedding some salary from the books.
Martin Odegaard’s name continues to be thrown around as a potential player that could be moved on loan but even more pressing for their fans could be news that their star striker Karim Benzema could be on the move as teams continue to call for a chance to acquire him with reports of his leaving Real Madrid heating up once again.
Karim Benzema
Even with the strong form he has shown this season, Benzema’s future at Real Madrid has been called in to question in part because the club is absolutely loaded up front and needs help elsewhere. It doesn’t hurt that other clubs are knocking on their door asking about him and because there has been such strong interest from them, it’s pushed him closer out the door.
Liverpool is among the many clubs that have made their interest in Benzema widely known and there have been reports that Real Madrid has considered their offer and made sure Brendan Rodgers knows that he will be first in line for a chance to acquire him if and when he becomes available. Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini have been very inconsistent all year and Benzema would be a substantial upgrade across the board – including over even Daniel Sturridge.
You have to think Liverpool would jump at the opportunity to grab the French superstar striker. There has been no clear indication from either club that a move is imminent but as the rumors continue to swirl the speculation of if and when it will happen will only intensify. If it does, this would be a boost to Benzema’s fantasy value. Where he is now, he’s kind of lost in the shuffle. At Liverpool, he’d be the main man.
Martin Odegaard
While the rumors of Benzema’s eventual leave persist, there have also been reports that Real Madrid will consider moving Martin Odegaard on loan this summer. Odegaard officially joined the club during the winter but he has also garnered a ton of interest from the outside with Celtic boss Ronny Deila in particular admitting that if the young star is made available, then he will look in to it. Deila told The Scotsman “I haven’t heard (Odegaard’s) situation had changed, but if it’s true he’s going to be loaned out, then we will check and see what is possible.” Deila went on to say that his team would be more interested in Odegaard if he was loaned to them with a buy-in agreement but even if that’s not possible there is a good chance Celtic would want to get their hands on him.
The Norweigan midfielder plays an attacking style and could see his fantasy value change in a hurry if a move is made. He’s just 16-years-old, if you can believe that, and he plays with the big club, but he’s had little opportunity to make his mark. A transfer anywhere else where he might get more action would help his value.
Iker Casillas
It looks like Iker Casillas will be shown the exit door this season. His career has seen a bit of a resurgence this season. However, the team is focused on signing Manchester United’s David De Gea, which means the 33-year-old Casillas won’t get much playing time starting next season.
So, look for Casillas to ultimately be on the move. While his value won’t take a hit immediately, he’ll be mostly useless if he stays beyond this season. It’s clear the team is trying to faze him out.
