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.
Real Madrid fans were dealt with a massive blow when star player Antonio Rudiger was left out of the squad against Real Valladolid, allegedly due to knee discomfort.
The injury sparked fears over his absence in the upcoming Copa Del Rey semifinal against Barcelona.
However, according to a report from Sergio Quirante, Rudiger’s knee injury is not thought to be serious. It appears the decision to leave him out of the squad against Valladolid may only be a precaution, with the defender set to undergo ultrasonic tests tomorrow.
Rudiger, whose injury scare came just 48 hours before Real Madrid’s big game against Barcelona, has been a stellar success in the club’s backline this season.
The German international has emerged as a real leader at the back, using his experience and authority to good effect. Although Real Madrid’s defence has left a lot to be desired this season, Rudiger has been one of the bright sparks.
His potential absence, therefore, could serve as a major blow for Los Blancos, in their hopes to reach the Copa Del Rey semifinal next week.
Real Madrid are heading into this semifinal with a 1-0 defeat in the first leg, meaning keeping a clean sheet could be mandatory if they are to overturn the deficit and book a place in the final. Rudiger, in that regard, could prove to be a vital asset.
In the meantime, Real Madrid are heading into the Valladolid game with David Alaba and Eder Militao as two of the only reliable centre-backs in the team. Among the two, Alaba has struggled with injuries this season, so it will be interesting to see how Carlo Ancelotti deals with this tricky situation this afternoon.
