Real Madrid News
Bayer Leverkusen superstar admits Real Madrid option was on the table – ‘There was always the possibility’
Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alejandro Grimaldo was heavily linked with a move to La Liga during the summer transfer window.
Known for his set-piece prowess, the Spain international was reportedly on the radar of both Real Madrid and Barcelona, as both clubs looked to strengthen the left side of defence.
Among the two, Real Madrid seemed to have the edge, largely due to Xabi Alonso’s influence, who had worked with Grimaldo during his time in the Bundesliga and helped raise his profile.
Speaking on the failed transfer
Despite the speculation, no move materialised. Real Madrid eventually signed Alvaro Carreras, while Grimaldo has continued to impress at Leverkusen, justifying the faith placed in him.
Speaking about the transfer window, Grimaldo opened up about the missed opportunities and the discussions that took place.
“Sign for Real Madrid? There was always the possibility of going to Madrid with Xabi Alonso, but in the end, it didn’t happen.
“They signed Alvaro Carreras and the opportunity to go with Xabi didn’t come up,” admitted the Spain international defender as reported by MARCA.
“Xabi Alonso and I had a few conversations when he was still at Bayer Leverkusen but nothing beyond that.
“He had to get to Valdebebas and see how everything was going to get organised,” he explained.
Choices and opportunities in the market
Grimaldo also reflected on the options he had between the two Spanish giants. “Did I have the option of going between Madrid and Barcelona?
“There are always options and things are discussed, but if they don’t work out in the end, it’s because they weren’t meant to be,” the 30-year-old defender said.
While fans speculated over his next move, Grimaldo remained professional and focused on his current club.
With his form continuing to impress at Leverkusen, Grimaldo remains a valuable asset and could once again attract attention from La Liga in the future.
For now, he is concentrating on delivering his best performances and making the most of his current opportunities.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
