Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Cadiz
Cadiz are set to host Real Madrid at the Estadio Ramon de Carranza for the penultimate gameweek of the season tonight, and have lined up like a team looking for a win despite wrapping up the title.
Andriy Lunin starts in goal instead of Thibaut Courtois, who did not make the cut for the squad list due to illness. Eder Militao retains his spot alongside Jesus Vallejo starting in the heart of the defence.
Lucas Vazquez and Nacho Fernandez, meanwhile, start as the fullbacks on the right and left respectively.
Only Federico Valverde keeps his spot in the midfield trident as Casemiro replaces Eduardo Camavinga as the defensive midfielder. Luka Modric is not on the bench either, as Toni Kroos will assume responsibility as the third midfielder.
Interestingly enough, Karim Benzema is not in the squad for this game. Mariano takes his place as the striker, while Rodrygo and Marco Asensio round off the lineup on the left and right-wing respectively.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜 🆚 @Cadiz_CFEN! #CádizRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/lYF64z3nab
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 15, 2022
Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Vazquez, Militao, Vallejo, Nacho; Valverde, Casemiro, Kroos; Asensio, Mariano, Rodrygo
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
