Real Madrid News
Liverpool confident about tying down Real Madrid target to a new contract
Real Madrid’s aspirations of signing a marquee player for the right-back position in the next two years have been well-documented by now.
With Dani Carvajal, aged 32, in the twilight of his career, and Lucas Vazquez not getting any younger, Los Blancos are keeping tabs on high-profile right-backs in the market.
Reece James and Achraf Hakimi are admired within the club’s circles and recently the possibility of signing Trent Alexander-Arnold also arose, given his contract expires in 2025.
Reports came out to claim that the Englishman is contemplating his future at Liverpool and is very eager to reunite with national teammate Jude Bellingham, whom he shares a strong bond with.
Dreams dashed
Now, according to talkSPORT, despite Real Madrid’s interest in Alexander-Arnold and Bellingham eager to reunite with his England teammate, Liverpool are confident that the full-back will sign a new contract.
Alexander-Arnold’s future at Liverpool has been a hot topic this summer, as his current contract expires next year, potentially allowing him to leave for free in under 12 months.
But in light of recent news, Los Blancos will be compelled to look elsewhere to oversee Carvajal’s succession plan.
As Alexander-Arnold appears poised to commit his future to Liverpool, he will continue with the club where he has spent his entire career.
However, any interventions by Real Madrid cannot be ruled out. Reports previously mentioned that Los Blancos asked the Liverpool ace to not renew his contract and leave as a free agent in 2025.
Time will tell what course Trent Alexander-Arnold takes but for now, he seems set to continue his journey in Merseyside.
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.
