Real Madrid News
Liverpool, Real Madrid deny contact over €93 million deadline day move for midfielder
During the final week of the transfer window, Real Madrid were reportedly running the risk of losing Federico Valverde. The star midfielder was courted by Premier League giants Liverpool, who had become desperate to sign a midfielder late in the market.
There were even suggestions of Liverpool making a record transfer bid of around £80 million (€93 million) to Real Madrid for the services of Valverde on deadline day.
However, according to 90 Min, sources from both the clubs have played down such suggestions. Liverpool had made no official attempts to sign Valverde on deadline day, though they remain very much interested in the player.
The Uruguayan international is indeed one of the players being closely followed by the Liverpool hierarchy as the midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence in recent years.
Having featured in 155 competitive matches for Los Blancos, Valverde is regarded as the future of the Real Madrid midfield, especially with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric currently in the final phase of their respective careers.
Although there is significant competition within the midfield ranks at Madrid, many expect Valverde to become the face of the club’s second line of press in the years to come.
His importance in the team has been evident in the current season as well, with the player notably starring in the recent win over Mallorca, scoring a wonderful goal in the first half.
The report from 90 Min suggests Liverpool had only made last-minute contacts with intermediaries, exploring the possibility of a move, with there being no direct contact between the two clubs.
While the Reds may try to get their hands on Valverde in the future, Real Madrid are confident of keeping hold of the 24-year-old.
The midfielder, after all, still has five years remaining on his current deal at Santiago Bernabeu. The value of his release clause also stands at a whopping €1 billion, meaning interested parties such as Liverpool may have to splash a fortune if they are to attain his services anytime soon.
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.
