Real Madrid News
18-year-old Barcelona target will not join Real Madrid this summer – report
Real Madrid appear to be bracing for two more exits imminently, having already bid goodbye to four stars this summer.
Indeed, Jesus Vallejo is on his way to Granada on loan, with a move likely to be completed as early as today. And, Alvaro Odriozola’s departure is also understood to be in progress, with the right-back assessing his options before making a final decision.
With two defenders set to depart soon, it has raised questions whether Real Madrid might dip in the market for a new defender, particularly a right-back especially given that Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez are in their thirties.
Ivan Fresneda is a player that has been linked with Real Madrid as a potential reinforcement at right-back.
Indeed, the Real Valladolid youngster, who is also a target for Los Blancos’ arch-rivals FC Barcelona, has been on the radars of the club, with an approach even being made to his agents.
However, as per a fresh update from journalist Alberto Pereiro, Fresneda will not be coming to Real Madrid in the current transfer window.
The 18-year-old right-back enjoyed a solid season with Valladolid in 2022/23 and made a distinct impression, even though his club ended up getting relegated.
Impressed by his displays, Real Madrid and Barcelona are among several top clubs to have taken an interest in the teenager, who is understood to have a €20 million release clause in his contract.
It must be noted that Fresneda spent four years within the Real Madrid youth setup between 2014 and 2018 before departing for Leganes. Two years later he ended up at Valladolid.
However, as things stand, the former Real Madrid academy trainee will not be returning to the Spanish capital this summer. As a matter of fact, there are unlikely to be any more signings at the Santiago Bernabeu in the current window, barring Kylian Mbappe if he agrees to leave PSG.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
