Real Madrid uninterested in handing Marcelo a new contract

Real Madrid will unlikely hand Marcelo a new contract, even though the veteran Brazilian defender is reportedly ready to pocket lower wages.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Marcelo’s hopes of continuing his stint with Real Madrid have hit a roadblock. The Merengues do not intend to hand the veteran Brazilian defender a one-year contract extension, even though the Real Madrid captain is ready to take home lower wages.

Marcelo has enjoyed a legendary stint with Real Madrid, establishing himself as one of the greatest players of his generation since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu over 15 years ago. A quintessential modern-day full-back, the 33-year-old has been a pivotal figure for Real Madrid, contributing heavily to their success.

To date, the veteran Brazilian defender has made 542 appearances for Real Madrid, chipping in with 38 goals and 102 assists along the way. But after dropping down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu, Marcelo is widely expected to leave Real Madrid as a free agent in the summer transfer window.

The Real Madrid captain’s contract runs out on June 30, and he is poised to become a free agent as things stand. But recent reports have claimed that Marcelo is open to staying put at Real Madrid and signing a contract extension with Los Blancos, even if he earns lower wages.

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But the Spanish giants do not intend to hand the 33-year-old a new contract and have their sights fixed on signing a new left-back in the summer transfer window. Several left-backs have recently been linked with Real Madrid, with recent reports linking Kieran Tierney with them. However, the Scottish international is keen on staying put at Arsenal and will likely snub an approach from Real Madrid.

There are other options on Real Madrid’s radar as well, and it looks like there is no way Marcelo will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond the summer transfer window. The veteran Brazilian defender will thus have to seek his next destination in the coming weeks and months.

Several Brazilian clubs are reportedly keen on signing Marcelo, while he has also been linked with MLS upstart Inter Miami. It remains to be seen what his next destination will be, with the player’s Real Madrid spell reaching its end.