La Liga champions Real Madrid are reportedly contemplating a move to re-sign 30-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco from Almeria.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Fernando Pacheco is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. Los Blancos will launch the offensive for the 30-year-old Almeria goalkeeper if Andriy Lunin departs from the Santiago Bernabeu in the 2023 summer transfer window.
Fernando Pacheco spent his formative years at three clubs before graduating from Real Madrid’s famed La Fabrica academy. The Spaniard joined Los Blancos as a 14-year-old in 2006 before graduating from their youth division half a decade later. But he managed only two appearances for Real Madrid before joining Deportivo Alaves in August 2015.
The 30-year-old enjoyed a solid seven-year stint with the Basque outfit, establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga. But Pacheco left Alaves this past summer following their relegation from the top flight to the Segunda Division. And he joined newly-promoted Almeria in August.
But Pacheco has played second fiddle to Fernando Martinez this season, managing only one outing thus far. Even Diego Fuoli has turned out more times than the Spaniard, meaning he has not enjoyed himself thus far at Almeria. But the player could soon return to Real Madrid, despite his struggles at the newly-promoted La Liga club.
Real Madrid will prefer not to sign a goalkeeper in the 2023 summer transfer window. But widespread speculation points to uncertainties surrounding Andriy Lunin’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu. So Real Madrid might have to enter the market for a shot-stopper next year if the Ukrainian goalkeeper leaves for regular game-time.
The reigning La Liga champions have thus identified two goalkeepers to replace Lunin next summer. Yann Sommer is one of the candidates on Real Madrid’s radar. And Pacheco is the other goalkeeper on their wishlist for the 2023 summer transfer window.
The 30-year-old Spanish goalkeeper might be able to offer more years to Real Madrid than Sommer (33). And after being a backup goalkeeper for Almeria, a return to the Bernabeu to essay the same role might be more appealing. It will be interesting to see if Real Madrid can re-sign Pacheco next summer.
