Real Madrid News
Argentine gem to complete medicals and sign Real Madrid contract next week – Romano
The rate at which Real Madrid are going about their business this summer is frightening, for they have already secured two big signings and are close to two more just weeks after the window opening.
The goal is clear – to bolster the squad ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. However, not all their new players will arrive in time for the big event.
The biggest example of the same is Franco Mastantuono who is set to sign for the club soon but will not play the Club World Cup for Real Madrid.
Signing almost done
As relayed in a recent report by Fabrizio Romano, the River Plate star will undergo his medical tests as a Real Madrid player next week. His contract signing and the announcement of the transfer will be immediately after that, likely next week.
The turnaround in the midfielder’s situation, needless to say, is impressive especially given how the player was on the verge of signing for PSG just over a week ago.
With Luis Enrique personally reaching out to the player and appealing, Real Madrid were on the verge of losing their long-term target to the French giants.
In the end, however, the player’s dream to play for Real Madrid coupled with the club’s timely intervention helped turn the tide.
Mastantuono was said to have been conflicted about when to join the club and is in half a mind to stay at River Plate until the Copa Libertadores later this year.
However, recent reports suggest that the youngster will be arriving at the Spanish capital right away, potentially even in time for the Club World Cup.
Last season, the 17-year-old made 12 appearances for his club in the league and had four goals and as many assists to show. Further, he averaged 2.4 key passes per game and created three big chances.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
