Real Madrid News
Real Madrid back in business for Bellingham as Liverpool shift focus to €90m ace
According to MARCA, Liverpool are considering a swoop for SL Benfica and Argentina star Enzo Fernandez, which could clear the path for Real Madrid to sign Jude Bellingham in the summer of 2023.
Bellingham has been the talk of the town for a while now and is set to spark a transfer war come summer. Real Madrid had shown serious interest in signing the 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund ace as they look to build a new midfield for the future.
However, recent reports had suggested that Los Blancos could miss out on the youngster as he was leaning towards a move to Liverpool, who are also intent on signing the England international.
On top of that, Bellingham’s rising valuation had also become a topic of concern for Real Madrid, which put his signing under doubt.
However, as per the latest report, Liverpool are now looking to make a move for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, which could open the door for Real Madrid in their pursuit of Bellingham.
Fernandez, 21, signed for Benfica only last summer and has been on the radars of Real Madrid and Barcelona as well. However, Liverpool seem to have jumped ahead in the race for the Argentine international.
The report states that the Reds consider him as a more achievable target due to his €90 million valuation while he could be immediately available as well, making him an enticing prospect for the Premier League giants.
Stumping up big money for Fernandez and Bellingham in quick succession could be difficult for Liverpool, leaving the door ajar for Real Madrid.
The Merengues were worried about splashing large sums to sign him but the report states that after watching Bellingham’s displays at the World Cup, club officials believe he would be worth every effort.
However, a lot depends on how Liverpool go about their plans and whether they decide to go after both Fernandez and Bellingham as Real Madrid wait to see how things develop.
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.
