Lopetegui Asks Florentino for Two Signings

Julen Lopetegui has reportedly asked for two more reinforcements for his squad: a striker and a center back. According to Sergio Santos of AS, Lopetegui would like to loan Jesus Vallejo to another club in order for him to get continuity. Mayoral is highly thought of, and may still end up staying with the squad this season, but Lopetegui would like another striker to supplement his squad in what will be a demanding season with five trophies at stake. The goals will need to be spread across the squad this year, but Lopetegui feels more fire power is required up-front with the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo. Raul De Tomas is not expected to stay with the club, as Rayo Vallecano and Real Valladolid are both after his services.

As for another central midfielder, the club are weighing their options. Sergio Santos states that Lopetegui was disappointed with Marcos Llorente in the preseason. Fede Valverde may be promoted to the first team or another central midfielder may be brought in with Thiago being linked. Whomever is brought in, Madrid will be looking to sign for a reasonable fee similar to the Courtois and Odriozola deals. It should be noted that the Spanish publication, AS, has had a strained relationship with the club in recent years due to a public agenda against Florentino Perez. Sergio Santos report may hold more weight as he has close ties to many current and former Spanish U21 players.