Real Madrid News
Just in: Real Madrid outcast closing in on a return to his former club
Real Madrid could be closing in on offloading another player this summer as MARCA is reporting that out-of-favour defender Alvaro Odriozola is possibly on his way to Real Sociedad.
Odriozola signed for Real Madrid from Sociedad five years ago in 2018 for a fee of around €30 million. However, things never got going for the right-back at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He had a six-month loan spell at Bayern Munich and also spent a year in Italy with Fiorentina before returning to the Spanish capital club.
Odriozola, though, was not someone who Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti counted on much, with the defender playing just six games in the 2022/23 campaign.
Given that the likes of Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez, and even Nacho Fernandez are ahead of the Spanish ace in the pecking order at Real Madrid. As such, Los Blancos have been keen on selling him, especially with his contract expiring next year.
Reports suggested that Odriozola was courting interest from clubs like Juventus and Athletic Club but was keen on securing a return to his former team, Real Sociedad.
Now, that possibility might be close, with the report suggesting that Real Madrid will not stand in the way of Odriozola’s wishes.
Given that Real Sociedad are not keen on spending much and the player has only one year left on his deal, Los Blancos are unlikely to receive a significant fee for the right-back.
Even so, getting rid of the player who is clearly not in the manager’s plans would be welcome at the Bernabeu as it would lighten the wage bill even if not by a big margin.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar returns from the break in top form after stellar displays with national team
Jude Bellingham has been undisputedly one of the star performers in the UEFA Nations League so far, in this international break.
Bellingham started with a valiant effort in the defeat to Spain, before starring in the 7-0 win over Croatia. Last night, he was on fire once again, helping England secure a 3-0 victory over Czechia.
As club football resumes this weekend, it is fair to say that Bellingham will be one of the most in-form players at Real Madrid.
Bellingham on fire
Bellingham’s spectacular form has continued throughout the international break, with the midfielder registering one goal and four assists in four matches for England.
The standout display came against Croatia, where he produced a goal and three assists in the emphatic 7-0 win.
He made England history with that four-goal contribution, creating five chances and completing four dribbles while boasting a 100 percent pass accuracy.
Against Spain, he was comfortably England’s best player, assisting Anthony Gordon’s opener and leading the attacks.
In the final game against the Czech Republic, it was Harry Kane who stole the show with a brace on his record-equalling 125th cap, but Bellingham once again started as an undisputed figure in Tuchel’s side.
The Englishman has shown no signs of his form being a mirage, having rediscovered his best since being handed a free attacking role.
A key figure for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s resurgence is a hugely positive sign for Real Madrid, who have struggled for consistency this season.
Operating as a number 10 with freedom to roam, the 22-year-old has already scored three goals for the club, making him the second-highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe, while also leading the team for assists.
His current scoring rate of one every 206 minutes is not far off his brilliant debut campaign.
That form has drawn widespread praise, with Roy Keane tipping him to become one of the greatest of all time, while Jermaine Defoe backed him to become England’s next captain.
For Jose Mourinho, having Bellingham firing on all cylinders is a massive boost. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the Englishman’s leadership and quality could prove decisive as Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona.
