Real Madrid News
Manchester United weighing up €80 million summer move for Real Madrid mainstay
Manchester United raided Real Madrid for the signing of Casemiro last summer, but they also had their eyes on another midfielder in Federico Valverde.
And, according to English sources, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United are considering making another attempt to sign Valverde from Real Madrid in the next summer window.
The Red Devils are on the lookout for another midfielder heading into the summer and have been linked with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong relentlessly. They have also held an interest in Real Madrid target Jude Bellingham, although that move looks unlikely to happen.
It has seemingly led to them turning their interest towards Valverde.
The Uruguayan international has established himself as one of the best performers at Real Madrid, although his form has declined after the World Cup break. Nevertheless, he remains a key cog in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
In 30 games this season, the 24-year-old has netted eight goals and set up four more for his teammates across all competitions.
As per the report, Manchester United have set aside a sum of €80 million which they plan to invest in Valverde, although that amount is unlikely to be enough to prise away the midfielder from Real Madrid.
The Merengues handed the midfielder a long-term contract until 2027 which comes with a massive €1 billion release clause.
Valverde is considered an essential member of the team and it is unlikely that Real Madrid will consider any offers for him in the summer, especially at a time when they will have to transition from the ageing duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Despite the interest from Manchester United, a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer looks like a distant possibility for Valverde.
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.
