Real Madrid News
Real Madrid close in on contract renewal for €22 million-rated defensive mainstay
Real Madrid’s preparations for next season are in full swing as the Merengues look forward to retaining their status as La Liga and UEFA Champions League winners.
In addition to recruiting new stars, the club is also embroiled in the task of contract extensions for key players, ensuring that their core team remains strong and competitive.
After facing an uncertain future for the last few months, it appears Ferland Mendy is poised to receive a renewal offer, with an agreement set to be disclosed in the coming days.
Ferland Mendy’s continuity in sight
Indeed, according to MARCA, extending Mendy’s contract has been a priority for coach Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid’s directors since last season. Now, it appears the agreement will be finalized once Mendy returns from vacation.
Mendy has overcome a challenging period that almost led to an exit. But when injuries subsided, he proved Ancelotti’s prediction right by becoming the world’s best defensive full-back.
Barcelona wonderkid and UEFA Euro 2024’s Young Player of the Tournament award winner, Lamine Yamal, even confessed that Mendy is the toughest full-back he had gone up against.
Despite early injury struggles, as he missed most of the first half of the season, Mendy turned things around, turning up in crucial moments thanks to improved fitness and the full confidence of Ancelotti.
A respected figure in the dressing room
Mendy is content at Madrid, where he is well-loved and respected by the team. The ongoing contract talks reflect this mutual appreciation.
Coaches and directors see Mendy and Fran Garcia as complementary left-back options. While Garcia provides an offensive threat with overlapping runs, Mendy’s defensive prowess stands out.
All in all, the Real Madrid hierarchy is confident that an agreement will be finalised soon, ensuring Mendy remains with Real Madrid beyond his current contract, which expires on June 30, 2025.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
