Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ahead of Chelsea in race to sign 18-year-old Brazilian whizkid – report
The Brazilian market has no dearth of young talents. While the world swoons over the well-known names on the market like Endrick, Real Madrid are simultaneously keeping close contact with other proteges who could arrive as able weapons to Ancelotti’s plans.
According to reports in England, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid are keeping close tabs on Botafogo’s young striker Matheus Nascimento. Though clubs like Chelsea are also interested in the 18-year-old, Los Blancos are said to be leading the race.
However, Florentino Perez does not intend to sign Nascimento for the first team given his tender age and raw talent. Instead, the management wish to give the youngster a run in the Castilla first before deciding on a possible promotion to the first team.
The teenager is often called the Brazilian Edinson Cavani for his aggressive style of play in front of goal. Yet, his strengths are not just limited to finishing as he boasts of excellent movement off the ball and does the work of a playmaker too.
In 14 matches across the Copa do Brasil and Carioca Serie A in 2022, the youngster has scored seven goals and made a strong impression on Europe’s elite. Given Real Madrid’s lack of finishers barring Karim Benzema, their interest in the player is understandable.
Nascimento’s contract with Botafogo runs until 2025. With over two years left on his deal, his move would include a large transfer fee and it remains to be seen how far Real Madrid are willing to go for his transfer.
Los Blancos have tasted success with their recruitment from Brazil in recent years. While work is being done to sign Endrick, it seems like Matheus Nascimento could also be a player who could end up at Real Madrid in the near future.
The report indicates that if Real Madrid do sign the 18-year-old, he would initially become a part of the club’s Castilla setup before being pushed into the senior squad.
With the international break done and dusted, Real Madrid will be back in action this weekend in La Liga, where they will be looking to catch up to league leaders FC Barcelona.
Coming up for Jose Mourinho & co., who lost their last game before the international break, will be a home game against Villarreal on Saturday.
And, leading up to the game, the Spanish capital club have received welcome news on the injury front.
Mbappe back in group training
Indeed, as per MARCA, Kylian Mbappe will be available for Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Having been training individually so far this week, the France captain rejoined group training under Mourinho today, taking a concrete step forward towards making himself available for the game.
The forward looked relaxed and ready to work, putting his boots back on and joining the group as Real Madrid prepare for a demanding run of fixtures throughout October.
And, unless there is any unforeseen setback, everything suggests that Mbappe will be ready to start against the Yellow Submarine come Saturday.
Under scrutiny
The past few weeks have been nothing short of eventful for Mbappe, with his every action and movement under heavy scrutiny.
Playing for France, in Zinedine Zidane’s managerial debut, the 27-year-old superstar scored a goal before asking for a substitution due to a knee injury.
Having flown back to Madrid, he underwent tests, which confirmed the injury, although it was not as serious as was initially feared.
The forward then took week-long holiday with his partner that sparked some debate among supporters and attracted criticism from multiple quarters.
Mbappe returned to Madrid on Monday and participated in individual sessions at Valdebebas over the past couple of days. Now he has resumed normal training with his teammates.
There had been doubts over whether Mbappe would be able to face Villarreal after he picked up the injury on 25 September.
However, the recovery plan followed by the forward appears to have worked, and he is now expected to be in a fully fit condition for Saturday’s match.
