Real Madrid News
Real Madrid alert to Liverpool midfielder’s situation, willing to pay €90 million – report
It seems accepted at this point that Real Madrid will need a big-name midfield signing in the summer, exactly one year after being asked for the same requirement by Xabi Alonso.
As the former manager’s assessment rightfully pointed out, the club is struggling after the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric and do not have any players capable of filling their boots.
A controlling creative midfielder, thus, is seen to be the need of the hour, and Florentino Perez and Co. are alert to the market.
An admired option
As relayed by Defensa Central in a recent report, Real Madrid are eyeing Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai as an option to strengthen the midfield next summer, and the president is willing to go big for the Hungarian.
The player has no release clause in his contract and it will not be easy to sign him if Liverpool complicates matters. However, Los Blancos are willing to go as high as €90 million with their bid to sign him.
As it stands, the 25-year-old is at the top of Real Madrid’s list of desired targets for the summer and they see him internally as a technically gifted player who also brings physicality and goalscoring abilities.
Further, it must be remembered that the Hungarian signed for Liverpool at the request and admiration of Jurgen Klopp, the same manager who is seriously being linked with Real Madrid next summer.
The German tactician’s arrival, thus, is no longer a distant rumour and may well move towards reality should Klopp enter the scene.
So far this season, the 25-year-old has made 21 league appearances for Liverpool and has two goals and an assist to show in that duration.
In the UEFA Champions League, however, he has four goals and three assists in just seven appearances.
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.
