Real Madrid News
Real Madrid target closing in on Liverpool contract extension – Romano
At the end of last year, Real Madrid were increasingly keen on the services of Ibrahima Konate.
The former Leipzig defender was facing an uncertain future at Liverpool, with his contract at Anfield expiring at the end of the season, making him a potential free agent.
Real Madrid, in search of fresh reinforcements in central defence, were considering making a Bosman move for the Frenchman.
Konate closing in on Liverpool renewal
According to Fabrizio Romano, Konate is now set to prolong his stay at Liverpool, with the defender closing in on a contract extension at Anfield.
The two parties are currently closing in on an agreement that would see the defender commit his long-term future to Merseyside.
Romano adds that Real Madrid were indeed one of the interested parties in the race to sign the Frenchman at the end of last year.
However, after failing to find an agreement with the centre-back, Liverpool stopped negotiations in November, with some believing that the player used Los Blancos to secure a better deal at Liverpool.
Nevertheless, Konate’s contract extension could leave Real Madrid with one less option in the summer transfer window.
Formerly of RB Leipzig and Sochaux, Konate could have brought some invaluable experience to the table for Real Madrid, having featured in a combined total of more than 250 matches across Germany and England.
Real Madrid, though, have no dearth of options in the market. The Spanish giants have been notably linked with a move for Nico Schlotterbeck, too, though the German also looks set to renew his contract at Borussia Dortmund.
But on a positive note, Schlotterbeck is likely to have a special release clause that would allow clubs like Real Madrid to snap him up on a cut-price deal 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.
