Real Madrid News
Real Madrid CB target’s high price an issue – player’s release clause will be €90m in the summer
As has already been reported, Real Madrid will enter into the market for multiple defensive reinforcements in the upcoming transfer windows.
While an emergency arrival is expected in January, with Aymeric Laporte being seen as a good fit, it is expected that the club will go after another player to strengthen the centre-back department in the same window or in the subsequent summer.
And, one name that is well-liked at the Santiago Bernabeu is that of RB Leipzig star Castello Lukeba.
Price an issue
Lukeba, as has already been reported, is seen as the main target to reinforce the defensive line at Real Madrid before next season.
However, according to AS, the French defender’s high asking price could be an issue in the Merengues’ pursuit.
Lukeba, after all, signed a new long-term contract with RB Leipzig only a few weeks ago, with his deal running until the summer of 2029.
Furthermore, as per the report, the 21-year-od French starlet’s release clause is set to rise to €90 million in the summer.
Real Madrid, though, would be reluctant to splurge heavily on a new centre-back. As was seen last summer, the Spanish heavyweights were unwilling to spend more than €35 million on Leny Yoro, who ended up at Manchester United.
As such, Lukeba’s potentially high asking price could be a hurdle if Real Madrid intend to sign him.
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.
