Real Madrid News
La Liga club director breaks silence on Real Madrid interest in veteran star
Ever since Xabi Alonso was unveiled as Real Madrid’s new head coach, speculation has swirled around the club’s plans to sign a new number 9, specifically, a backup striker who can come off the bench and make an impact late in matches.
Among the names linked, Osasuna forward Ante Budimir emerged as a surprise option, thanks to his excellent 2024/25 campaign.
However, Osasuna have officially dismissed the rumours. The club’s sporting director, Braulio Vazquez, addressed the reports head-on, firmly denying any communication from Real Madrid regarding Budimir.
“Real Madrid hasn’t called,” Braulio stated plainly, putting an end to speculation about the striker’s potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
No contact despite strong season
Budimir, who scored 21 goals last season, enjoyed the most prolific year of his professional career. Naturally, this attracted attention across Europe, especially considering his favourable release clause.
For a limited time this summer, the Croatian’s buyout clause dropped from €20 million to €8 million for European clubs and €10 million for others.
Despite that, Braulio insists Real Madrid were not one of the clubs to make contact. “There have been questions about Budimir, Sergio Herrera, Ruben Garcia, Torro…” he said as quoted by Mundo Deprtivo.
“Given his goalscoring numbers, clubs are obviously asking. But we’ve refused to enter into discussions,” he added.
No deal on the horizon
Although Budimir’s profile fits the type of striker Real Madrid are reportedly looking for, experienced, affordable, and comfortable with a substitute role, the player himself seems to have different plans.
Now approaching 33, Budimir may be open to new challenges, but his destination remains uncertain.
For now, Osasuna appear determined to hold on to their star striker. As things stand, unless Madrid change their stance or approach the club directly, Budimir will not be heading to the Bernabeu any time soon.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
