Real Madrid News
Mourinho wants Real Madrid to swoop in for Portuguese defender with €80 million release clause
Real Madrid seem keen to revamp their defence, with Jose Mourinho placing a lot of emphasis on getting this aspect right on his return to the Spanish capital.
After already strengthening the back line with the signings of Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries, Madrid are still looking at the market for another centre-back.
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Mourinho wants Real Madrid to sign Tomas Araujo, the 24-year-old Portugal defender with whom he worked last season at Benfica.
For now, the manager has placed Araujo’s name on the table as Real Madrid assess options to complete the defence. However, Los Blancos have not made a formal move.
Araujo may be admired by the coach, but Real Madrid want to ensure they analyse all their options before making a move.
Mourinho knows the player well
Araujo’s appeal is easy to understand from Mourinho’s perspective. He knows the defender personally, understands his character and has already seen how he responds to tactical demands.
In many ways, the Portugal international enjoyed a breakthrough campaign and showed exactly what Mourinho values.
Real Madrid are not simply looking for another body in defence. They need a player capable of competing immediately while fitting into a squad that is being reshaped for a new cycle.
Araujo, at 24, is at an interesting age: experienced enough to contribute, but still young enough to grow inside a demanding environment like the Santiago Bernabeu.
Price and competition complicate the deal
The problem is the cost. Benfica would point to Araujo’s €80 million release clause, making any deal far from simple.
Bayern Munich are also said to be interested, which could further complicate Real Madrid’s route. That said, Mourinho may play a key role in convincing him to choose the Spanish club.
Real Madrid should be careful not to overpay unless they are completely convinced that he is the long-term solution.
The club have been guilty of making such moves in the past without thinking them through. Yes, Mourinho’s preference matters, but it cannot be the final word.
For now, Araujo is a name to watch, and it remains to be seen whether the transfer saga develops.
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.
