Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ‘clear’ about signing €130 million-rated Bundesliga superstar next summer
The recent set of injuries has highlighted Real Madrid’s lack of depth in defence and the fact that the club must bring in reinforcements as soon as possible.
While it won’t be surprising to see Real Madrid bring in new faces in defence in January, the club’s long-term plans in the transfer market remain intact.
To that end, Real Madrid have not lost sight of their attacking or midfield targets in the market, despite the recent emphasis on buying a central defender.
Real Madrid clear about signing Wirtz
According to AS, Real Madrid are particularly convinced about one of their top targets in the form of Florian Wirtz.
It appears the reigning European champions are convinced the Bayer Leverkusen starlet will be an ideal investment for them next summer, as the club look to shore up their ranks in the creative unit.
The recent form of Kylian Mbappe, coupled with Jude Bellingham’s relative underperformance has suggested that Real Madrid must bring in new faces in the creative unit.
Wirtz, to that end, could turn out to be an ideal mediator between the midfield and the attack, with the report stating that the German ace is valued at €130 million.
The youngster has shown exceptional promise in the Bundesliga so far, racking up 100 goal involvements at Leverkusen.
Xabi Alonso to play an important role
At just 21, Wirtz is only getting started and a move to Real Madrid, to that end, could be a logical move for the German international.
However, in order to acquire the services of Wirtz, Real Madrid must ensure the arrival of Xabi Alonso, who is widely regarded as the likely replacement for coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian has faced immense pressure in light of Real Madrid’s recent performances and an exit next summer, therefore, cannot be ruled out.
Should Xabi Alonso get appointed as the new coach, the Spaniard could play a pivotal role in convincing Wirtz to join Real Madrid.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
