MU Shorts
Four Real Madrid players who could leave in the final days of the transfer window
Less than four days remain before the summer transfer window of 2022 closes. But, there are unlikely to be any late incomings at Real Madrid.
The Merengues did their business early by signing Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger, and manager Carlo Ancelotti has since continued to insist that there will be no new players arriving, despite the need for a new centre-forward.
Instead, the focus will be on player exits, which has been the case for much of the window so far. Indeed, Real Madrid have already sold a host of players this summer and are likely to part ways with a few more before the window slams shut.
Marco Asensio
The most high-profile name on the list, Marco Asensio finds himself close to the exit doors at the Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Real Madrid will let the winger leave if a good offer arrives and interest in the Spaniard is rising from the Premier League.
Teams like Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked, while AC Milan are also an option, although their interest has seemingly receded in recent days. With the 26-year-old in the final year of his contract and no longer favoured, a departure would make sense for all parties involved.
Mariano Diaz
Another player who no longer belongs in the plans of manager Ancelotti and has been told to find a new club for himself, Mariano Diaz should be on his way out of the Bernabeu in the next few days. He has been attracting interest from a host of La Liga clubs but has been reluctant to leave.
However, there has been a change in his stance in recent weeks, with an exit looking more and more likely. The 29-year-old is reportedly keen on leaving the club on a free transfer by terminating his contract, but Los Blancos are reluctant to sanction that operation. So, it remains to be seen how things pan out.
Jesus Vallejo
The Real Madrid academy graduate finds himself way down the pecking order of things at the club this season. Indeed, he is the fifth-choice centre-back at the Bernabeu, with Eder Militao, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez all ahead of him.
Despite that, he wants to stay at the club even though there are no prospects for him in terms of playing time. So, with there being some interest from clubs in La Liga, Vallejo could decide to move on in the final stages of the transfer window.
Alvaro Odriozola
The final name on the list is another defender who has not been a part of the plans at Real Madrid for a few years now. After having spent the last season away on loan at Fiorentina, Alvaro Odriozola is back at the Spanish capital club but does not belong in the scheme of things.
Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez and even Vinicius Tobias are ahead of the Spanish right-back and the club are working to find a solution for his future before the window closes. There has been some degree of interest from clubs in Italy and England, while former club Real Sociedad could also be a destination.
Following their narrow 1-0 win over Villarreal in La Liga, Real Madrid are in action tonight in the UEFA Champions League as they take on AS Roma in Matchday two of the league phase.
The Spanish capital giants kicked off their European campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu. They will now be eager to make it two in two in the competition tonight at Stadio Olimpico.
Things will be anything but easy though considering the solid start that the Giallorossi have made under Gian Piero Gasperini, stitching together a seven-game unbeaten run, although they have only one win in their last four matches.
Roma’s first Champions League of the game against Fenerbahce also ended in a 1-1 draw last month. Nonetheless, buoyed by their home support, the Serie A bigwigs will fancy their chances, especially against a Real Madrid side that has yet to find its best version.
Los Blancos go into the game with four absentees: Eder Militao, Raul Asencio, Rodrygo Goes, and Ferland Mendy, with the Frenchman being not registered in the competition.
Vinicius Jr. will be available for the game as his impending suspension for a red card against Villarreal will only be applicable in La Liga. Meanwhile, Dean Huijsen is back in the squad after missing Saturday’s game due to a suspension.
Here’s how Jose Mourinho could set his Real Madrid team up as he returns to Stadio Olimpico to face his former employers.
Defence
Thibaut Courtois remains an undisputed starter in goal and one of Real Madrid’s most important players on the pitch. Having secured his second clean sheet of the season over the weekend, the Belgian ace will hope to add another on tonight.
Meanwhile, in defence, Dean Huijsen, back after serving his suspension, is expected to feature from the get-go. He will partner up with summer signing Ibrahima Konate, meaning Antonio Rudiger will drop to the bench against his former club.
There is likely to be a change at left-back as well with Marc Cucurella set to replace Alvaro Carreras, who started the league game against Villarreal.
On the right side of the defence, Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to hold on to his place ahead of Denzel Dumfries.
Midfield
Jose Mourinho has yet to figure out his best double pivot pairing in the middle of the park for Real Madrid.
For now, though, the Portuguese tactician is expected to continue keeping faith in the pairing of Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, despite the pair failing to provide the necessary control and creativity from the central areas.
Bernardo Silva could finally make an appearance off the bench after having seemingly disappeared from the manager’s plans in recent games.
As for the attacking midfield slot, there is simply no looking past Jude Bellingham, who has been Real Madrid’s best player so far this season under Mourinho.
Attack
Vinicius Jr. was benched by Jose Mourinho against Villarreal. The Brazilian came on in the second half for what turned out to be an eventful cameo capped off with a disallowed goal and a red card.
Seeing as he will be unavailable for at least two games in La Liga, Mourinho is expected to use him as a starter against Roma tonight. That, however, means Yan Diomande will drop out of the lineup immediately after scoring his first goal for Real Madrid.
On the right side of the attack, Arda Guler has impressed heavily and will hold on to his place, with his vision and creativity set to be extremely crucial.
Kylian Mbappe will make his 100th Champions League appearance, starting as Real Madrid’s centre-forward.
