Real Madrid News
Premier League defender willing to prioritise Real Madrid move as initial contacts made
A sudden sense of uncertainty has taken over the scene in Real Madrid’s pursuit of a new centre-back for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Los Blancos’ plan initially appeared set, for they identified several players on the final years of their contracts to target and sign as a free agent come June.
In recent weeks, however, word has spread that the men in white have discarded several of the free agent options they had on their table in Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate.
The situation with Marc Guehi, moreover, was also said to be uncertain.
Update on Guehi
As relayed by AS in their latest report, Guehi has indeed taken over as one of Real Madrid’s main options to reinforce the defence next summer. The club have not only registered interest but also let his entourage know about the same.
Should Real Madrid finalise Guehi and zero down on him as their target, they will contact his environment again, but until then they will continue to monitor the situations of other potential targets as well.
In the initial conversation with Guehi’s entourage, Real Madrid confirmed that the player has no agreement in place with Liverpool despite the rumours circulating.
The Merseyside club are indeed still interested in his signing after the last-minute collapse of the transfer last summer.
But the Crystal Palace star will give Real Madrid full priority should they register their interest. After all, it is his dream to play for the club.
With the player’s contract running down in June, Real Madrid can officially begin negotiating a transfer as of January 1st and it remains to be seen how swiftly they approach him. After all, a lot will depend on how the rest of the season progresses.
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.
