Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ace not ruled out of the FIFA Club World Cup final
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had picked up an injury during the warm-up when the Spanish giants locked horns with Mallorca this past weekend, forcing coach Carlo Ancelotti to field Andriy Lunin in the game.
Initial reports suggested that the goalkeeper’s injury was a serious one and that he might be ruled out of the FIFA Club World Cup and perhaps even the upcoming Champions League game against Liverpool.
However, according to Sergio Fernandez, Courtois has not been completely ruled out of the Club World Cup just yet. While the Belgian may miss the upcoming semifinal against Al Ahly, he could be in contention to feature in the final.
This is because the diagnostic imaging tests for Courtois’ injury have been quite positive. There has been no official word on the matter just yet, but the goalkeeper’s situation is being closely monitored and an outcome will come out shortly.
In the meantime, it is Lunin, who is the favourite to start in goal for Real Madrid when they take on Al Ahly this midweek. The Ukrainian starlet has struggled to gain regular game-time this season, which had led to speculations over his future at the club.
But the chance to represent Real Madrid in the Club World Cup could serve as an exciting opportunity for the 23-year-old, who has featured in eight competitive matches this season.
However, it must be noted that Real Madrid may not necessarily risk Courtois as soon as gets clearance from the medical team. Given the Belgian’s status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Los Merengues will be wary of potentially aggravating his injury.
Therefore, we may see Lunin continuing in goal if the Whites reach the final of the Club World Cup. Courtois is more than likely to get back into the thick of things when Real Madrid return to Europe next week and face Elche CF in La Liga.
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.
