Real Madrid News
Liverpool ready to splash more than €100 million for Real Madrid midfield target
As the world still looms in the summer transfer window of 2022, Real Madrid are already planning their moves for the upcoming windows.
Los Blancos have already secured the services of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga in recent years to ensure that the future of midfield is in safe hands. However, one missing piece is a creative midfielder who can venture into attacking spaces.
The club have identified Jude Bellingham as the perfect player to fill that void. The Borrusia Dortmund youngster is one of the most sought-after talents in European football and Real Madrid are one of the leading contenders to sign him, along with Liverpool.
According to reports from Diario AS, Liverpool are willing to pay over €100 million for the Englishman’s services. Needless to say, a big battle between Real Madrid and Jurgen Klopp’s side awaits in the coming window.
The Merseyside team face a problem similar to Los Blancos concerning their ageing midfield core. Jordan Henderson and James Milner are at the tail end of their careers, while Thiago Alcantara is also in his thirties. So, a replacement in the middle of the park is the need of the hour.
Bellingham still has three years left on his deal in Germany and any interested party will have to shell out a premium price for his services. However, Liverpool has the advantage of being in his home country, a factor that could be decisive in the race.
Last season, the 19-year-old made 32 Bundesliga starts for Dortmund, scoring three goals and providing eight assists. Moreover, he averaged over 12 defensive actions per ninety minutes.
Viewed as the ideal long-term replacement for Luka Modric at Real Madrid, it will be interesting to see whether Los Merengues are willing to match Liverpool’s ambitions and ready to throw €100 million or more to land Bellingham next summer.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
