Real Madrid News
La Liga club unfazed by Real Madrid’s pursuit of their standout player
Athletic Club remain calm and unshaken despite growing speculation that Real Madrid are seriously considering activating Nico Williams’ €58 million release clause, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo.
The La Liga club appear confident about the player’s short-term future, despite reports suggesting that Los Blancos are ready to swoop in, potentially even in time for the upcoming Club World Cup.
As of now, Athletic Club have not received any formal approach from Real Madrid. The stance is that if a club wants to sign Nico, they will need to pay the full value of the release clause, and the player must also give his explicit approval.
So far, there is no indication that either of these steps has been taken.
There is a contract in place
Nico signed a new contract in 2023, extending his stay at Athletic Club until 2027. This renewal was a strong sign of intent from both club and player.
However, Real Madrid’s interest is not fading. According to earlier reports, the club’s internal discussions have intensified around the idea of pursuing Nico Williams as a strategic market opportunity.
At €58 million, the 22-year-old Spain international is viewed as an affordable Galactico, particularly when compared to the soaring prices of other elite talents in Europe.
Someone needs to go
Should Real Madrid push forward with this move, there could be serious implications for their current attack. Rodrygo is reportedly the most likely candidate to be sacrificed if Nico is brought in.
While no decision has yet been finalised, Real Madrid are now openly debating the prospect of reshaping the front line to accommodate the Athletic Club star.
For Athletic Club, the calm comes from two realities. First, they have no reason to negotiate, as the release clause offers a clear and direct pathway for any club interested in the player.
Second, Nico’s history of loyalty and grounded decision-making gives them hope that he may resist the allure of a big-money move, at least for now.
Still, the summer transfer window will be long, and the growing whispers from Madrid suggest that the question may no longer be if, but when Real Madrid decide to strike.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
