Real Madrid News
Barcelona working ‘behind the scenes’ to lure away long-term Real Madrid target
Real Madrid’s strategy of chasing young Brazilian talents has fared well in recent years. Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Jr, and Eder Militao have all quickly become key members in Carlo Ancelotti’s side purely through merit.
It is not surprising that Los Blancos are looking to continue with the formula that has worked wonders so far. Of the many gems in the streets of Brazil, the club were last said to be pursuing the signing of young Endrick.
According to reports from Joaquim Piera, Barcelona are working hard behind the scenes to swoop in for the youngster’s services. This comes as vital information for Real Madrid’s transfer plans.
It is interesting to note that the teenager is yet to make his senior debut for a club. However, his performances at the youth level have been so impressive that European giants already have the 15-year-old on their transfer lists.
The Palmeiras player renewed his deal with the Brazilian club last month. His new contract runs until 2025, when he will turn 19. It is important to note that Brazilians cannot play in Europe until they are 18 years of age, according to FIFA regulations.
It is difficult to imagine Los Blancos letting go of such a highly-rated player. However, a lot will depend on the economics of the deal. It is said that the teenager’s current deal has a €60 million release clause that is activated when he turns 18.
After seeing the success of his compatriots like Vinicius and Rodrygo, it would not be surprising if Endrick opts to join Real Madrid over Barcelona.
Nevertheless, there is a long time before the youngster is compelled to choose his next club and one can expect conflicting reports until the deal is signed.
After three successive wins to start the season, a 1-0 loss to Real Betis came as a reality check for Real Madrid, who are still some way off matching the quality and consistency of Barcelona.
In light of the defeat, the Real Madrid coaching staff is analysing the best way to get the most out of the current setup.
More expected from Valverde
According to Defensa Central, one of the key conclusions drawn from the Betis defeat is that Real Madrid need greater involvement from Federico Valverde with the ball.
The Uruguayan has been deployed as the pivot, largely due to the absence of the injured Aurelien Tchouameni, but he is yet to make the step up in quality the team requires from that role.
While his effort and commitment are never in doubt, Mourinho and his staff, led by Sami Khedira, feel Valverde spends too much time positioned behind the opposition’s midfield line.
As a result, he fails to offer passing lanes to his teammates when they are under pressure, forcing them into hurried, aimless clearances rather than playing out cleanly from the back.
That concern has already been communicated to Valverde, who is still adapting to a position he has never truly played, making the challenge all the more difficult for him.
A collective issue to fix
However, the problem is not Valverde’s alone, with the coaching staff identifying a wider issue in the team’s structure.
Khedira has reportedly noted a certain passivity from the attackers in the videos of the match, particularly Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, when it comes to offering themselves as the ball transitions from midfield into attacking areas.
That lack of movement compounds the difficulties for the deeper midfielders.
Mourinho, for his part, remains unfazed by the departure of Rodri to Barcelona, insisting his squad has the tools to cope.
“I’m not missing Rodri. We have solutions, we have quality,” the Portuguese said, before adding that he backs his ability to improve players.
With a Champions League opener against Inter Milan on the horizon, Mourinho and his staff will be keen to iron out these issues quickly.
