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
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
