Real Madrid News
Real Madrid and Liverpool confident about signing English prodigy next summer – report
Even though the summer transfer window of 2023 is still a long way away, speculations regarding the movements of players for next year are already starting to gather steam.
Jude Bellingham is set to spark a major transfer battle next year, as the 19-year-old gets set for the next chapter in his career after cementing his status as one of the best young talents in the game currently.
In a little over two years at Borussia Dortmund, the Englishman has proven himself to be a superstar in the making and a host of top teams are lining up to sign him next summer.
Indeed, journalist Ben Jacobs is reporting that Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United are all in the running to capture the services of Bellingham in the summer of 2023.
It is claimed that Real Madrid, at this point, are very confident of signing the 19-year-old former Birmingham City starlet, even though Dortmund wish to hand him a new contract after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Reports earlier this week indicated that Los Blancos have told Bellingham not to sign a new deal, which he intends to follow through on, potentially making it easier for the Spanish and European champions to sign him.
However, Liverpool cannot be ruled out of the running at this point as they, like Real Madrid, have put in a lot of work behind the scenes.
The journalist adds that pulling off a huge transfer like the one involving Bellingham takes a lot of time, energy, and personal investment apart from a solid sporting project and a good financial package.
And Real Madrid and Liverpool are the two clubs amongst his suitors to have put in the most efforts, which they believe will pay off when the teenager will make a decision on his future in January or at the end of the season.
However, Manchester City remain contenders as Erling Haaland has reportedly asked Bellingham to join him at the Etihad.
Chelsea are also monitoring the teenager and would be able to put together a package that would appeal to Dortmund. However, they are not seen as frontrunners, much like Manchester United, who are well behind in the race, reckons Ben Jacobs.
As things stand, it seems like it will be a two-horse race between Real Madrid and Liverpool for Bellingham, with Los Blancos confident of signing him for less than £100 million.
Recent reports indicated that Bellingham wanted to join Real Madrid. But Jacobs adds that the Dortmund ace is yet to decide on his next club and is keeping his options open. It will certainly be interesting to see how things pan out over the next few months as the battle for the midfielder’s signing intensifies.
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.
