Open Thread: March 29, 2021

The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, YoSnail, Ezek Ix or NeRObutBlanco.

David Alaba Update.

Fabroizio Romano reported that the pre-contract is almost ready and that the player will earn €12m/season until 2025. He stated that “until it’s signed, everything is open as always with free agents. Many clubs are trying to convince Alaba in recent weeks, but Real are still leading the race”.

Poll: Mbappe or Haaland?

Even though Marca seem to be convinced that Los Blancos will try and sign both players, we’re not so sure. Given the current financial environment surrounding the sport, it might be tough to even sign one of them. However if the club does have the funds to make atleast one signing, which one would you prefer?

Thomas Meunier Has Disabled Comments On Social Media.

Borussia Dortmund defender Thomas Meunier has been forced to disable comments on his social media accounts after being blamed for Eden Hazard’s injury hell. Hazard is sidelined with injury yet again and has been told he may ‘never play football again’ if he wants a third ankle operation.

At the time, Meunier was incredibly apologetic, telling La Dernière Heure: “I am honestly sad. I tried to contact him directly after the match, but I couldn’t reach him.

“Aside from that, I saw two or three of his team-mates who said that he had taken quite a hit. I cross my fingers that it is not too bad. If there is one player who I really don’t want to injure, it’s Eden.”

The Dortmund star, though, has now responded mockingly to such claims. He was asked about the recent injury problem keeping Hazard out, and ironically replied: “Yes, that’s it, I went to train with Madrid last week and I again made a great tackle on Hazard.”

Check out this fan art that the club tweeted about.