Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport has revealed that after Real Madrid managed to extend the contract of 38-year-old central midfielder Modi, the team's sights are once again set on veterans. Among them, 35-year-old German center back Junior Muss has joined the race to become a free agent this summer. Real Madrid are intent on signing him rather than releasing Fernandes, who is also in the squad.
Junior had planned to leave Dormont in the summer and Serie A side Bologna have thrown in the towel with the intention of replacing Arsenal's midfield pillar Caracoli with him. However, the two sides disagreed on the issue of salary. Bologna offered an annual salary of 2 million euros (about HK$17 million), while Smalls demanded 3 million euros (about HK$2.5 million), which might become a stumbling block in the negotiation.
It is reported that Real Madrid intends to utilize the team's strong financial strength to snatch Muss, and it seems to be a no-brainer to satisfy his annual salary demand of 3 million euros. Considering the fact that many center backs of Real Madrid were injured in turn last season, and Fernandez left the team for Saudi Arabia earlier, coach Ancalotti is eager to sign an experienced center back, and Muss is undoubtedly the ideal candidate.
Last season, Junior scored 4 goals in 40 games for Dortmund, helping the team to reach the Europa League final. He has not aged well, and I believe Real Madrid is capable of stabilizing their position.
