Real Madrid News
Real Madrid can sign Borussia Dortmund defender for €60 million
Nico Schlotterbeck seemingly put an end to the speculation around his future with a renewal with Borussia Dortmund until 2031, handing suitors including Real Madrid a definitive answer on his stance.
Los Blancos eyed the defender as a possible target for the summer to reinforce the centre-back position and saw him as one of the best possible options for the department.
His renewal, however, seemingly closed the doors for any such move although an interesting option did come up in the days following his contract extension.
A release clause
As reported by MARCA in a recent report, the German international has a release clause set at €60 million that could facilitate his departure in the summer.
While the player did indeed renew, one of the primary reasons a departure is still being considered is that the player does not have a good relationship with the fans.
He was greeted by loud boos in his team’s defeat to Bayer Leverkusen recently and there is tension regarding his relationship with the fans and the club’s board.
Los Blancos are very attentive to his situation, and the situation of Borussia Dortmund given that Schlotterbeck’s release clause may be further brought down if they do not qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.
Dortmund, for their part, wish to convince the player that he is desired at the club and not to doubt his decision to renew. The circumstances, however, leave matters in a grey area.
So far this season, Schlotterbeck has made 23 league appearances for Dortmund and has scored four goals and has one assist to his name. He has overseen nine clean sheets and averages over ten defensive actions per game.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
