Real Madrid News
Ancelotti calls up Real Madrid academy gem to training ahead of El Clasico
Real Madrid are set to face their sternest test of the 2024/25 season as they go up against an in-form FC Barcelona outfit in the first El Clasico of the campaign on Sunday.
Heading into the contest, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has a number of injury woes to deal with as Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Rodrygo Goes, and Thibaut Courtois have all been ruled out of the contest.
Jesus Fortea called up to training
In order to deal with the lack of depth in the right-back position due to Carvajal’s absence, Ancelotti has called up Real Madrid academy gem Jesus Fortea to first-team training today, reports MARCA.
With Carvajal’s absence and Madrid’s defensive concerns, the Italian manager has turned to La Fabrica’s most promising full-back in Fortea.
The former Atletico Madrid starlet is a player whose name has been highlighted by both the technical secretariat and first-team coaching staff for the past two years.
Sources within the club state that “he has the potential to be a Madrid player for many years”.
While Ancelotti plans to address Carvajal’s absence using first-team players, Fortea stands out as his preferred youth prospect. His delayed promotion to first-team training was due to a muscle injury that sidelined him for two weeks, from which he has now fully recovered.
Although a final decision will not be made until this evening, it would be surprising to see Fortea included in the squad for the Barcelona match.
However, his inclusion in training the day before El Clasico demonstrates the coaching staff’s faith in a player who is likely to make his first-team debut at some point this season.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
Hala_Madrid
October 25, 2024 at 1:08 pm
Madrid is in this mess because of Ancelotti’s preference for experienced rold players instead of hungry talented players. For example, the disappearance of Endeick and Guler even the two created havoc whenever they played. Makes you wonder of the decision process. On top of that, do Madrid go over their defensive plays over the course of the season? They’ve been playing the same horrible way for the longest time with no improvement in sight.