Real Madrid News
Chelsea set to beat Real Madrid in the race for 18-year-old Brazilian attacking prodigy
Real Madrid constantly maintain an eye on the Brazilian market hoping to strike gold on young talent. Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo Goes and most recently Endrick are a part of the club’s efforts in that direction.
One such young prodigy Los Blancos had their eyes on is Deivid Washington. The 18-year-old plays for Santos in Brazil and was seen by the Merengues as a future option for the number nine position, as relayed by Globo.
Deivid Washington has made 16 senior appearances for the Brazilian giants, scoring two goals, while he also has netted six goals in 13 matches for the club’s Under-20 side.
Given his potential, Real Madrid took an interest in the teenage forward.
But according to Fabrizio Romano, the Merengues will not be able to pull off the youngster’s signature. Chelsea have submitted an official bid worth €20 million to Santos in recent hours and the Brazilian club are set to accept the same for Washington.
The player has agreed terms with the London-based giants and will move to Strasbourg on loan immediately for the coming season.
A team lacking a finisher
Karim Benzema was the heart and soul of Real Madrid’s forward line, and his impact was best appreciated in recent seasons following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Over the past two years, the Frenchman single-handedly carries the team on numerous occasions even at the highest level. His departure, needless to say, is difficult for the club to compensate for.
Carlo Ancelotti thus began the summer asking for a new striker. The club president promised the arrival of a world-class finisher with the manager asking for Harry Kane.
However, the operation came crashing down after Kylian Mbappe became available. As it stands, it remains unclear if the Frenchman will even arrive this summer.
All eyes are on Endrick
Real Madrid splashed €72 million for the signing of 16-year-old Endrick from Palmeiras last year. He will only arrive at the Bernabeu next summer but is one on whom the management have heavy expectations.
Los Blancos toiled to no end to fight off the competition for Endrick. Given that the young Brazilian can play as either a winger or a striker, they might not regret missing out on Deivid Washington much.
Real Madrid News
English legend backs Real Madrid star to become one of the all-time greats: ‘He’s got everything’
Jude Bellingham has spent the past fortnight as the most talked-about footballer in England, and the superlatives show no sign of slowing down.
A masterclass in the Nations League, a clutch of records and a second straight Player of the Year award has not gone unnoticed in English footballing media.
Now one of the English game’s most respected voices has added his name to the growing list of believers.
Lineker backs Bellingham
Asked whether Bellingham can go on to become one of the greatest players of all time, England legend Gary Lineker left no room for doubt.
“Yes, I’ve been saying it for a long time now. If he avoids serious injury or falls of the rails which he won’t I’m sure.
“He’s so good at football, he’s got everything. He’s a superstar and carries himself like a superstar,” he said (h/t Track Radio).
The verdict chimes comes in the midst of a wider chorus of acclaim in recent days. Roy Keane tipped him to become one of the greatest of all time after the Croatia rout, with Ian Wright and Micah Richards among others queuing up to praise him.
Backed by the numbers
The acclaim for Bellingham comes on the back of an extraordinary international break for Bellingham.
Against Croatia, Bellingham scored one and created three in the 7-0 win, becoming the first England player to record four goal involvements in a single game since David Platt in 1993.
He finished the window with one goal and four assists and was named UEFA’s Player of the Round.
That international excellence has carried over to the Bernabeu, where he has settled into a free number 10 role under Jose Mourinho and sits as the club’s joint-leading creator.
Bellingham was part of Real Madrid’s recent 1-0 win over Villarreal as well, and was unlucky not to register an assist when Vinicius Jr.’s goal was disallowed.
The Englishman will be looking to make an impact once again when Real Madrid take on AS Roma this Wednesday.
