Real Madrid News
Luis Figo wants Real Madrid to sign €58 million Barcelona target – ‘He’s a gem’
Speaking in an interview with AS, Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has claimed that he would wish to see Athletic Club winger and Barcelona target Nico Williams play for the Spanish capital club.
Figo, who left Barcelona for Real Madrid almost 25 years ago, stated that Nico is a player who he admires and would prefer to see play for the Merengues.
“There are a lot of players I like. I would sign Nico Williams, for sure. He’s a gem. And at the end of the day the price [the Athletic player’s buy-out clause is €58 million], with what is being paid today, seems affordable to me,” said Figo.
“Because of the quality he has and also because of his youth.”
When asked if he saw any similarities between himself and Nico, the former Portugal winger replied:
“No. We are different players. He’s a player I like a lot for his position. But I wasn’t as fast as him, I wish I had been as fast. I’m talking about the market, because for value and price I think he’s a bargain.”
Figo on Real Madrid at Club World Cup, Xabi Alonso
During the interview, Figo also shared his thoughts about the current Real Madrid team and how he felt they might fare at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup as they transition from Carlo Ancelotti to Xabi Alonso.
On whether winning the Club World Cup would help Real Madrid make up for missing out on the other major titles this season, the icon said:
“It’s a new competition. We have to wait and see how it develops. It’s still a title and everyone wants to win it and gain prestige. I don’t think it’s a salvation for the season either.
“The season itself is the Champions League and the league. It’s the most important thing.
“If you win it’s logical to be happy for the work you’ve done, but it’s a new title and we’ll have to see the importance of the competition when it’s over and when it’s played more times.”
On whether Alonso can make the changes necessary in such a short time, having taken over only this month, Figo replied:
“It’s a difficult question, but I think it’s more an adaptation to Madrid as a coach, because he has little time, it’s the end of the season. It will be complicated to evaluate the results and the work in such a short time, it’s more an adaptation as a coach.”
Figo then discussed Kylian Mbappe’s debut season at Real Madrid, lauding the Frenchman for bouncing back after a slow start.
“At the beginning things weren’t so great, but after that he has done well. He has scored a lot of goals and has adapted to playing for Real Madrid, which is totally different to playing for another team,” said Figo.
However, the former winger stated that the French superstar is unlikely to win any individual honours like the Ballon d’Or this year, saying:
“What might rule him out for individual trophies is the lack of big collective titles, but we’ll see what happens. He is a name that is always on the lists of the best in the world, there is no doubt about that.”
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
