Newcastle United have learned the asking price for Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy after their initial bid was rejected, according to reports. The Premier League club had offered €30 million for the left-back, but Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is said to be demanding €40 million for his services.
Mendy’s future at the Spanish giants appears uncertain as they have several options in the left-back position. Eduardo Camavinga has been deployed as a makeshift left-back, while Fran Garcia has recently joined the club. Additionally, David Alaba, Nacho, and Antonio Rudiger are capable of playing on the left side of defense.
The 26-year-old Mendy joined Real Madrid in 2019 and has made 133 appearances for the club, contributing five goals and ten assists in various competitions. However, his playing time was limited last season due to injuries, with only 28 appearances for the La Liga giants.
In other news, Joselu has returned to Real Madrid on a season-long loan from Espanyol. The striker, who came through the club’s youth academies, previously made two appearances for the senior team. Joselu had an impressive season at Espanyol, scoring 17 goals in all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign. However, following Espanyol’s relegation from La Liga, he has now moved to the Spanish capital on loan.
Expressing his delight at the move, Joselu said, I feel like a little kid. Being here changes everything. It’s a dream for any footballer, and I’ve had the chance to be here in the past. You always dream of coming home to a place where they treated me so well and that helped me go beyond my expectations. I’m delighted to be back here.
Newcastle United’s pursuit of Mendy highlights their ambitions to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. With an increased bid required to secure the services of the talented left-back, negotiations between the two clubs will likely continue.
The reported transfer fee of €40 million may seem steep, but Newcastle will need to assess whether Mendy’s quality and experience could significantly enhance their defensive options. As the club continues its efforts to secure Mendy’s signature, fans eagerly await further developments in what could be an exciting transfer for Newcastle United.
Overall, the situation presents an interesting dilemma for both Real Madrid and Newcastle United. While the Spanish giants weigh their options in defense, Newcastle must consider the financial implications of meeting Real Madrid’s asking price. Only time will tell whether Mendy will don the black and white stripes of Newcastle United next season.
