Real Madrid News
2 spots, 3 options: Real Madrid have until midnight to submit 25-man UCL squad list
Following the culmination of the summer transfer window, teams participating in the UEFA Champions League have until midnight of September 2, i.e., today, to submit their official 25-man squad for the group stages of the competition.
And, current trophy holders Real Madrid have all but two slots filled on their list for the competition. Indeed, as reported by AS, Carlo Ancelotti has two vacant spots left on the squad list for the Champions League and will need to decide between three players to fill them.
The three players in contention to occupy those slots, as per the report, are Vinicius Tobias, Noel Lopez and Iker Bravo – all of whom are currently part of the Real Madrid Castilla team.
While players from the subsidiary side can be named on the B list of the Champions League squad, the players need to have been at the club for at least three years to be included on that list.
However, Tobias has been at the club only since January while Lopez and Bravo have signed for Los Blancos only during the summer transfer window.
Hence, if Real Madrid wish to include them in their plans for the Champions League, the trio would have to be named on the A list of the squad, which has only two spots open.
Both Lopez and Bravo are strikers with great potential and considering the lack of backup options for Karim Benzema in the first-team squad, they could be good choices for manager Ancelotti.
Alternatively, Vinicius Tobias cannot be used in La Liga as the three non-EU spots in the squad have been taken up. So, the Champions League would be the only avenue for him to get any minutes with the first-team, although both Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez are ahead of him in the pecking order.
It will be interesting to see who, if any of the three, Ancelotti decides to name in the 25-man list which needs to be submitted by midnight today.
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
