Real Madrid News
Liverpool devise plan to beat Real Madrid to 25-year-old defender’s signing – report
Even as Real Madrid remain in the hunt to sign Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich on a free transfer, the club remain observant of other market opportunities.
One of those said opportunities comes in the form of Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace defender who is leaving Selhurst Park at the end of the season and will be available for free.
Guehi has been identified as an ideal alternative should Upamecano sign a contract extension with Bayern Munich.
Liverpool take lead in Marc Guehi pursuit
However, it appears Real Madrid are falling behind in the race to sign the English international.
That is because Liverpool are ready to move to sign Guehi in January in order to beef up their defensive ranks at the earliest possible, reports AS.
It must be remembered that Liverpool were close to signing Guehi last summer, but the transfer did not materialise.
This time around, the Reds are not looking to repeat the same mistake and want to get ahead of everyone in the race by signing him in the January transfer window.
Indeed, Liverpool want a headstart in the Guehi chase and the best way they can do is by signing the player in the winter transfer market while others wait to sign him for free in the summer.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not Guehi is open the idea of leaving Crystal Palace in the middle of the season, especially knowing he may have more lucrative offers as a free agent in the summer.
Real Madrid will have to be mindful of that possibility and therefore, lure the Englishman with the promise of a better offer at the end of the season.
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.
