Real Madrid News
Italy legend tips PSG to beat Real Madrid in FIFA Club World Cup semi-final
The FIFA Club World Cup is finally down to its semi-final stage and only four teams remain in contention for the prestigious trophy.
The two semi-finals, however, can be considered unevenly balanced as one has the reigning UEFA Champions League winners PSG taking on Real Madrid while the other sees Chelsea take on Fluminense.
While both games will be spectacular to witness, it is clear that the Real Madrid-PSG game is the one that will catch more eyes as a finale-worthy clash.
Former Italy defender weighs in
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, former Italian defender and World Cup winner, Marco Materazzi commented on the FIFA Club World Cup and how he saw the competition progressing past the semi-final stage.
He then previewed the big match this week – Real Madrid vs PSG – and gave his verdict on the result and who would progress to the final.
“Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain will play a very complicated match, so it is not easy to anticipate the finalist of that bracket,” he said.
On the other semi-final, the legend was confident in his prediction as he surprisingly picked Fluminense to advance past Chelsea given their form.
“Fluminense is on the other side of the table (against Chelsea). I think they play very well and could reach the final,” Materazzi said.
His final prediction, however, saw him place PSG ahead of Real Madrid and confirmed that he saw the French giants to be the favourites to advance.
“My forecast is that the final will be between Fluminense and PSG,” said the 2006 World Cup winner.
While many players and important figures have come out to criticise the event in recent weeks, the Italian legend praised the idea and its execution.
“It is an excellent tournament that has aroused great enthusiasm in the public,” he noted.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
