Real Madrid round up: Odegaard, Super Cup, Embargo, Vázquez
West Ham are after a loan move for Martin Odegaard before FIFA transfer embargo decision on Saturday, Real Madrid prepare for Sevilla Super Cup tie, and rumours over Vázquez
Transfer embargo decision due
Real Madrid will find out later this week (Saturday 13 August) the result of their appeal against a FIFA sanction that could bar them from making transfers in the next two windows. The punishment was originally handed out to the club, along with Atlético Madrid, for breaching FIFA’s rules on the international transfer and registration of players aged under 18. If the ban is upheld, Los Blancos won’t be able to sign any new players until 1 January 2018.
West Ham want Odegaard
One of the consequences of Real Madrid’s possible transfer embargo is that any players loaned out from the club after notification of the ban (which would be on Saturday), would not be able to be called back until after the punishment is served. That is why West Ham are keen to wrap up a loan deal for Martin Odegaard, according to reports in the English press, by the end of this week. Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg are also interest in taking the Norwegian teenager out on loan, say the same reports.
It’s no secret that Zidane and the Bernabeú hierarchy want Odegaard to get more minutes, so a loan move does seem likely. The French coach admitted as much on Monday – prior to Real Madrid’s European Super Cup against Sevilla – saying that the player’s situation is “complicated” due to competition in the squad.
"Big chance" for Morata in Super Cup
In the same press conference in Norway on Monday, Zidane attempted to deflect any pressure from his squad by claiming that “Madrid are not the favourites” against Sevilla thanks to his side’s sizeable list of missing first-team players. Zidane though said his major concern “is that we are ready for the game and I believe we are”.
According to AS editor, Alfredo Relaño, the Super Cup final will be a big chance for Real returnee, Álvaro Morata, in the absence of Cristiano, Bale and Benzema. Morata was “feeble” in the preseason tour of North America, says Relaño. He also points out that it’s a chance for Isco and James to shine, both who are under increasing pressure from the summer biggest revelation, Asensio.
Lazio after Lucas Vázquez?
Another transfer rumour this week involving Real Madrid involves Lucas Vazquez. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Lazio are preparing a €15 million offer for Bernabéu benchwarmer. The Italian club are said to be after a replacement for Candreva, who recently left for Inter. However, Vázquez is a popular member of the squad – and especially with Zidane – so Lazio would find it difficult to prize him away.
