Real Madrid defender Marcelo has reportedly agreed on a summer transfer to Juventus following a disappointing season.
Real Madrid have had a hugely disappointing year so far, and they face for another setback towards the end of the season.
Marcelo spent most of his time under Santiago Solari on the bench. He looked helplessly at his Real Madrid teammates as they were humbled by Ajax at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this week, as they were knocked out of the Champions League.
And now, reports from Spanish media outlet La Stampa claim that Marcelo has decided to leave Real Madrid. The Brazilian defender has agreed on terms with Juventus for a summer move.
If the move does substantiate, it would be the second outgoing transfer in as many seasons for Real Madrid to Juventus, after a stunning 110m euro deal with Cristiano Ronaldo last summer.
‘Marcelo agrees terms with Juventus’
La Stampa claims that Marcelo has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with Juventus. The fullback is close to Cristiano Ronaldo, and the media outlet reports that the relationship will help speed up the move.
Marcelo joined Real Madrid in 2007 and emerged as one of the best defenders in modern football during his time at the club.
He lifted four La Liga titles with the Los Blancos and as many Champions League titles as well. During his time at Real Madrid, he developed a strong bonding with Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a recent interview, he revealed that he was the first player to whom Ronaldo conceded about leaving Real Madrid. “Damn, we were training for the final and he told me: ‘I’m leaving,'” Marcelo told Tatiana Mantovani in February.
In December, he talked about his friendship with Cristiano Ronaldo. “Cristiano was not only a teammate but he is also my friend,” Marcelo said.
“It is clear that if the best player in the World is not in your team, you will miss him. Any team will like to have Cristiano Ronaldo but in the end, Madrid will always be Madrid and we will have the best players in every position.”
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What next?
While these are still reports, it won’t be a surprise if Marcelo does leave Real Madrid. He has made only 13 appearances in the La Liga this season, and 24 across all competitions.
The club is likely to undergo a massive overhaul in the summer, after their defeats in last three games have largely ensured a trophyless domestic and European season.
