Real Madrid News
Florentino Perez still dreams of pairing Man City megastar with Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid
According to L’Equipe, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez still harbours dreams of signing Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland and pairing him with superstar Kylian Mbappe at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It is no secret that Los Blancos have long admired the Manchester City and Norway striker and have held a strong interest in acquiring his services.
In fact, as per the report, about a year and a half ago, Real Madrid had a dream that perfectly fit the club’s long tradition of assembling “Galactico” squads: bringing together Haaland and Mbappe in the same attack.
The idea of pairing two of the most explosive forwards in world football captured the imagination of the club’s leadership and supporters alike.
While they were successful in signing Mbappe after his contract expired at PSG in 2024, a move for Haaland did not take place.
Although such a transfer currently appears very complicated to carry out, the idea has not been completely abandoned inside the Real Madrid offices.
The possibility remains alive, at least as a long-term objective, even if the circumstances required to make it happen would be extremely difficult to align.
The topic becomes especially relevant as Real Madrid prepare to face Manchester City later tonight in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League.
Haaland is not currently experiencing the best run of form in his career, but that is unlikely to prevent him from starting on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite that, he has already plundered 29 goals from 39 matches this season in all competitions, along with seven assists.
For Real Madrid to stand a chance of progressing in the competition, they must make sure that Haaland has a quiet outing across the two legs.
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.
