Real Madrid News
Liverpool ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign star Englishman
Jude Bellingham was one of England’s finest performers during the FIFA World Cup. Despite the Three Lions’ elimination, the young midfielder made a solid impression with his dazzling performances in the middle of the park.
While Bellingham was already a talked-about prospect in the European market, his eye-catching displays and mature performances have put a myriad of top clubs on red alert, including Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants reportedly consider Bellingham to be the top target in the summer of 2023. This is because the Whites are determined to sign a new midfielder, in light of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos’ uncertain future at Santiago Bernabeu.
Both midfielders are at the final stage of their respective careers and have their contracts expiring at the end of the season. Although talks are going on over a contract extension, Real Madrid must find a long-term replacement sooner rather than later. That is where Bellingham comes into the fray.
However, according to a report from Mirror (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Real Madrid are lagging behind Liverpool in the race to sign Jude Bellingham next summer.
The report suggests that the Premier League giants are ahead in the race because they are willing to pay more than Real Madrid. In fact, the Reds are willing to cough up €115 million for the midfielder. They may even meet Borussia Dortmund’s €150 million asking price.
Liverpool’s desire to splash the cash for Bellingham is hardly surprising as the young midfielder is highly rated by Jurgen Klopp and is one of German’s top targets. After all, the Dortmund starlet has every quality to become the long-term successor of Jordan Henderson.
That being said, the race is far from over and with Liverpool running the risk of missing out on Champions League next season, Real Madrid may still have an excellent opportunity to lure the Englishman to the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
