Real Madrid News
Dortmund sporting director refuses to comment on Bellingham to Madrid rumours
The Spanish news media has been flooded by news of Jude Bellingham reportedly reaching agreement with Real Madrid over a potential move to Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
Subsequent reports claim Real Madrid are also close to reaching an agreement with all parties that may settle Bellingham’s future at the Bernabeu once and for all. It would be quite a milestone for Los Blancos, as they look to build a solid foundation for the future.
However, in the midst of ongoing rumours, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl was recently asked about the future of Bellingham.
But Kehl refused to talk about the Englishman, citing that the team is purely focused on winning the Bundesliga title this season.
“We want to become champions here in Bundesliga, it’s out total priority. We’re subordinating everything else to that right now”, Kehl told Sky Sports (h/t Fabrizio Romano).
Kehl’s comments are hardly surprising as Dortmund are closer than ever to beating Bayern Munich to the league title. The Black and Yellows are currently trailing the Bavarians by just one point, with four matches left to be played.
That means any slip-up on Bayern Munich’s part could allow Dortmund to get on top and possibly seal the league title by the season’s end. One would argue even Bellingham would be focused on helping his team seal the title, rather than being enthused about his future.
Real Madrid, for their part, are set to closely monitor the Englishman’s situation. Everything suggests the Spanish giants have his signature sealed, despite interest from Manchester City and Liverpool, among other top clubs across Europe.
It is now up to the club to finalise the deal and officiate the transfer. Whether or not it will be done before the end of the season remains to be seen.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
