Real Madrid News
Real Madrid begin discussions with agents of €180m-rated forward to explore future move
According to a report from Caught Offside, Real Madrid have reached out to Erling Haaland’s camp to explore the possibility of signing the Manchester City striker in the near future.
The Spanish giants are said to be monitoring the Norwegian’s situation closely, even though City have made it clear they have no intention of parting ways with their star forward.
Inside sources suggest that Real Madrid are open to making a bold financial move, selling Vinicius Jr. for a world-record fee to help fund a potential deal for Haaland.
While this may seem drastic, the situation stems from growing uncertainty around the Brazilian’s contract renewal.
Uncertainty regarding Vinicius
Talks between Madrid and Vinicius’ representatives regarding a renewal have reportedly stalled, and a preliminary agreement that once seemed close to completion has now collapsed.
Although the 25-year-old winger has tried to reopen discussions, both parties remain far apart on the financial front.
Vinicius is reportedly demanding a net salary of around €25 million per season over a five-year contract, a figure the club is unwilling to match.
As reported before, Real Madrid, while acknowledging his contribution and importance to the team, do not view him as completely untouchable.
If negotiations fail to progress by next summer, the club is said to be ready to entertain offers for the Brazilian star, even if it means taking a financial hit.
Real Madrid eye 2026 as decision year
Reports indicate that 2026 could be a crucial year for both parties. If no agreement is reached by then, Madrid may officially place Vinicius on the market to avoid losing him for free later on.
At the same time, the club’s long-term ambition to bring Haaland remains alive. The striker is under contract with Manchester City until 2034, which means any deal would require a significant transfer fee.
Madrid hope that selling Vinicius could generate the financial strength needed to pursue the Norwegian, who remains one of the club’s top transfer priorities.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.
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.
Jeremy Poynton
October 13, 2025 at 6:47 am
Nonsense. Absolute, complete nonsense.