Real Madrid News
Liverpool defender remains an option for Real Madrid for the summer
Real Madrid will enter the market for reinforcements in the centre-back position in the summer transfer window.
With David Alaba very much certain to leave the club at the end of the season and the continued fitness concerns surrounding Eder Militao, making a new signing in the position would be a prudent move.
Ibrahima Konate still an option
In that regard, AS reports that Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate continues to be monitored by Real Madrid, with his unresolved contract situation keeping the possibility of a free transfer alive.
Although his prominence among transfer targets has decreased in recent weeks, he has not been ruled out. The Merengues continue to track his situation closely as they prepare to strengthen their defence ahead of next season.
Real Madrid prefer to have five players in that position, making reinforcement a priority, even if not an urgent one. In this context, Konate remains a viable option.
A central factor is that the Frenchman has yet to renew his contract with Liverpool. His current deal is approaching its end, and while the club have expressed their desire to keep him at Anfield, no agreement has been reached.
This uncertainty has reopened the possibility of a move to Real Madrid, a scenario that had appeared unlikely just weeks ago.
Other options narrowing
Real Madrid have considered several defensive options. William Saliba was a primary target, but his recent renewal with Arsenal until 2030 has made a transfer highly improbable.
Marc Guehi is no longer an option after choosing to join Manchester City in January, while Dayot Upamecano also renewed his with Bayern Munich contract until 2030.
This has left two main candidates: Nico Schlotterbeck and Konaté. However, Schlotterbeck’s situation is becoming increasingly complicated, with Borussia Dortmund offering a significant salary increase, around €14 million per year, to secure his renewal.
As such, Real Madrid are evaluating all possibilities, including former defender Jacobo Ramon, while Konate also remains a serious option. Although his position in the club’s plans has weakened slightly, he has not been removed from consideration.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
