Real Madrid: Brandt says LaLiga giants' interest "an honour"
Speaking to the media after Bayer Leverkusen's league defeat to Werder Bremen, Julian Brandt discussed Real Madrid's interest in signing him.
Speaking after his side's weekend Bundesliga defeat to Werder Bremen, Bayer Leverkusen's Julian Brandt reacted to the news - revealed by AS on Friday - that Real Madrid are interested in signing him this summer. "It's an honour that I'm being linked with such clubs," Brandt said in comments published by the German outlet Kicker, "but as things stand there's nothing more to it than that."
Can leave for 25m if Leverkusen miss out on Champions League
Leverkusen's 3-1 home reverse on Sunday increased the likelihood of the 2002 runners-up failing to qualify for next year's Champions League - an eventuality that would pave the way for Brandt's departure. The 22-year-old's contract (which runs out in 2022) contains a clause allowing him to leave for 25m euros if Leverkusen do not reach Europe's premier club competition. With eight games to go in the German league season, Die Werkself lie sixth, five points off the top four.
In Germany squad for Serbia, Netherlands clashes
Brandt has been named in Germany manager Joachim Löw's squad for Die Mannschaft's upcoming fixtures against Serbia (Wednesday, friendly) and the Netherlands (Sunday, Euro 2020 qualifier). The forward has won 23 international caps so far, and was a part of the squad that won the 2017 Confederations Cup.