Real Madrid News
€40 million-rated Liverpool, Man United target wants to join Real Madrid – report
Gabri Veiga is one of La Liga’s most sought-after talents. In recent weeks, the Celta Vigo youngster has received interest from clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal amongst others, and is set to take the next big step of his career in the summer.
According to reports from Alberto Pereiro, however, Veiga has told his entourage that he has no desire to move to the Premier League. The youngster dreams of playing for Real Madrid and has communicated his desire to join the club in the summer.
The midfielder’s release clause is set at a figure of €40 million, a bargain fee for the package he offers on the field. Several English sides are willing to meet that number and the player will don white if the Merengues can match that figure.
At just 20 years of age, Veiga has scored a whopping nine goals and provided three assists in La Liga this season. He is Celta Vigo’s second-highest goalscorer, only topped by Iago Aspas who has 12 to his name.
Real Madrid have pursued the prodigy for a while and are in favour of pushing for his signing. However, it is vital to note that Veiga’s arrival will not influence Real Madrid’s pursuit of Jude Bellingham, thus implying that they must appropriately juggle finances.
Instead of working with a direct €40 million transfer fee, the offices at Bernabeu are said to be considering a proposal of €25 million along with La Fabrica prospect Rafa Marin. Celta Vigo are admirers of the youngster and would not be opposed to signing him from Madrid under the right circumstances.
The final decision in Madrid could rest on the future of Toni Kroos. The World Cup winner’s departure or retirement would put pressure on the club to sign another midfielder, and Veiga could be that player.
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
