Real Madrid on Langerak's radar as La Liga move looms

Australia goalkeeper Mitch Langerak could go from warming the bench at Stuttgart to a possible debut against mighty Real Madrid should his mooted transfer to La Liga club Levante go ahead.

Mitch Langerak

Source: Getty Images

However, even if the proposed switch to the newly-promoted Valencia-based club is ratified before the transfer window closes on Thursday evening (European time), it's believed there are no guarantees, and Langerak will have to fight for the number one spot with incumbent Raul Fernandez.

That battle could potentially see him get the nod to face Gareth Bale, Karim Benzama and co. at the Santiago Bernabeu when La Liga resumes after the international break on 9 September. Cristiano Ronaldo is currently suspended.

Langerak, 29, has been excused from Socceroos duty in Japan to resolve his club future having sought a release from Stuttgart after losing his starting spot to Ron-Robert Zieler, who signed from Leicester City in the off-season.
It's a kick in the teeth for Langerak whose majestic form was instrumental in helping Stuttgart to first place in the German second tier and bounce straight back to the Bundesliga following their demotion the previous season.

Stuttgart are sympathetic to Langerak's sensibilities and are unlikely to stand in his way with a year still to run on his contract.

Ironically, if Langerak joins Levante, who topped Spain's second tier last season, his arrival could pose a similar threat to Fernandez to the one he faced when Zieler arrived in Stuttgart from the Premier League.

Fernandez made 33 league appearances last season, keeping 17 clean cheets, and has played twice so far in the Primera Division as Levante have begun the season with a win and a loss.

Unless there are any last minute hitches, Langerak's likely move to the city that was once home to Socceroos first-choice gloveman Mat Ryan should be done before the deadline closes, despite interest from at least one other European club.


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2 min read
Published 29 August 2017 5:24pm
Updated 29 August 2017 5:56pm
By Dave Lewis

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