Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Atletico captains demand delayed start to La Liga due to Club World Cup involvement
Two weeks after the 2024/25 campaign came to an end, La Liga announced earlier today that the 2025/26 season will kick off on the weekend of August 17.
It would mean close to a ten-week break between the end of the current season and the start of the new one.
However, two teams – Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid – will have a much shorter break as they are involved in the FIFA Club World Cup set to begin next week in the USA.
Real, Atletico captains demand delayed start
As such, journalist Rodra now reports that the captains of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have demanded that the new La Liga season starts on the weekend of August 24th if either team makes it to the final phase of FIFA Club World Cup.
Both teams have the full backing of the AFE (Spanish Footballers’ Association) which has has insisted on the condition that the first matchday for Real and Atletico get postponed in case of their prolonged run in the Club World Cup.
The players’ association demands that players receive the mandatory 21 days of vacation, along with a minimum of three weeks of pre-season training.
This has been negotiated directly with Dani Carvajal and Koke, captains of Real Madrid and Atletico, respectively.
Both players have conveyed to La Liga their preference to delay the league start if their clubs reach the final rounds of the tournament, in order to guarantee minimum preparation time.
However, postponing matches at the start of the season presents a logistical issue: there are very few open dates to make them up.
Everything will depend on a meeting set to be held with La Liga. More details are awaited on the matter.
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.
