Real Madrid News
22-year-old Real Madrid youngster wanted by newly-promoted La Liga club
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Deportivo Alaves are one of the three teams looking to sign Real Madrid’s 22-year-old midfielder, Antonio Blanco.
It must be noted that Alaves, who played in the Segunda Division last season, is where Blanco spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan.
In August last year, he was shipped to Cadiz on a season-long loan but was recalled in January. Post this, he was sent to Alaves for the rest of the campaign.
Blanco made an impression during his time at Alaves, helping them get promoted to La Liga and the midfielder was one of the top players in the recently concluded UEFA U-21 European Championship.
And now, Alaves have made the signing of Blanco their absolute priority so much so that their sporting director, Sergio Fernandez, has acknowledged they are currently in talks with Real Madrid over the transfer of the midfielder.
Blanco’s ongoing deal with Real Madrid runs until 2024 and we have reported before that the Los Blancos do want to renew his deal. The team from the Spanish capital city has full faith in the youngster’s capabilities but it is just that the competition in the midfield is too much, especially after the arrival of Jude Bellingham.
The midfielder player is aware of the fact that he cannot have a starting role next season. Furthermore, he has admitted in a past interview that the team has bigger decisions to make this summer.
“The truth is that their midfield is full of stars. I thank Ancelotti, but they have other decisions to make, or they see other players they like, and what I didn’t want was to be there without playing,” he told Radio Marca.
For now, whatever decision Madrid will make will be for the betterment of the player. And if that means spending another loan spell with Alaves, then the player will have to accept his fate.
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.
