Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool battling to sign teenage striker on Bosman move in 2023
Real Madrid and Barcelona are already going head-to-head in their pursuit of Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick. However, it seems like the two La Liga giants have another common goal in the transfer market in the form of Borussia Dortmund ace Youssoufa Moukoko.
Indeed, as per SPORT, Barcelona have entered the race to sign the 17-year-old prodigy who is already being pursued by Liverpool, Real Madrid as well as Paris Saint-Germain.
Moukoko has emerged as one of the most promising young players in the German Bundesliga, especially in the ongoing campaign, during which has netted three goals and set up four more for his teammates from 15 appearances.
Just 17 years old, the youngster is also a regular for the German Under-21 national team and has scored six goals in five matches for them.
Moukoko’s current contract with Borussia Dortmund stands to expire in the summer of 2023. It has sparked a plethora of interest in the teenage sensation, with Real Madrid among the clubs keen on signing him.
Los Blancos already raided the Bundesliga for a young forward this past summer, signing Iker Bravo from Bayer Leverkusen. And they wish to do so again by landing Moukoko when his contract with Dortmund runs down.
Given that Karim Benzema has no natural backup in the No. 9 role, Moukoko can be signed and groomed by the reigning champions of Spain and Europe. Despite his young age, he has some degree of experience at the highest level, having played over 50 matches for Dortmund.
However, the competition from the likes of Liverpool, Barcelona, and PSG will make things difficult for Real Madrid.
The report adds that Liverpool could be best-placed to sign Moukoko, thanks to the presence of former Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp. With Barcelona also now entering the picture, Los Merengues will have their task cut out if they wish to land the 17-year-old striker.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
