Real Madrid News
Liverpool pulled out of Bellingham race because of one major reason – report
Jude Bellingham has never been closer to joining Real Madrid. The English international has been the biggest talking point ahead of the summer transfer market, and it is only poetic that the story ended with the club he most desired.
According to reports from James Pearce (h/t Madrid Xtra), Bellingham’s preference has been known for a long time. In fact, it even had a role to play in facilitating his move to Real Madrid.
The English journalist reports that one of the major factors behind Liverpool’s decision to drop out of the Bellingham bandwagon was the fact that his entourage refused to call Anfield their destination of choice.
The midfielder wanted Real Madrid all along and only entertained other options as a probable backup plan.
The race to sign Bellingham began with a host of clubs scouting his profile. Soon, it boiled down to only three candidates- Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City. The exit of Jurgen Klopp’s side from the arena made it a two-horse race.
Pep Guardiola’s side offered the Borussia Dortmund star a more lucrative package with a prominent role with the UCL finalists. Even money did not change Bellingham’s mind, and the end result was an agreement with Real Madrid.
The youngster had the chance to win Bundesliga with the yellow-and-black colours last night, but an untimely slip-up saw them lose grip over the title and surrender it to Bayern Munich once again.
After the game, Bellingham’s mother was seen thanking the Dortmund staff with gifts and all but confirmed the news of his departure.
An agreement appears to be in place between the two clubs, and it is only a matter of time before the deal is made official. One can hope to see the protege in white colours as early as the preseason campaign.
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.
