Real Madrid News
Real Madrid closely monitoring former player’s progress, name on transfer list
Journalist Jose Felix Diaz has reported via MARCA that Real Madrid are keenly observing the performances of Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo. This is because the team from the Spanish capital still has the option of signing him back.
As of today, although Kubo’s name has made it to the list of potential targets, the Madrid management is not rushing into making a decision. They want to buy their due time before drawing a conclusion.
Real Madrid’s luck with former players
Real Madrid have conceded two goals in four games this season. Ironically, both of them have been scored by their former players. Against Almeria, a certain Sergio Arribas was on the scoresheet while against Getafe, Borja Mayoral was the huntsman.
Tonight, as Madrid prepare to take on Sociedad, they will brace themselves for two more former players, namely, Kubo and Alvaro Odriozola. Judging by the look of things, it is only logical to think that Madrid will be extra cautious while dealing with the two.
Kubo an important player for Sociedad
Ever since joining Real Sociedad, Kubo has held a significant role within the team. The Japanese talent has discovered his ideal environment at Sociedad, and his on-field maturity has drawn attention both for his contributions and the positive impact he brings to his team.
The 22-year-old signed for Madrid in 2018, but he never got to make a first-team appearance. During his time as a Madrid player, he played for three different teams, namely, Mallorca, Villarreal, and Getafe.
Madrid’s purchase option
In July 2022, he was granted a permanent move to Real Sociedad, although in this deal, Madrid reserved the repurchase option.
In Valdebebas, there has never been a desire to permanently part ways with the Japanese player, but there is also a clear understanding with the footballer that lifelong commitments are not feasible.
Madrid have always considered him a potential addition to the Real Madrid first team, reminiscent of past scenarios with players like Fran García or Brahim.
Now, talks have resurfaced regarding the future of the Japanese, his potential release onto the transfer market, and Real Madrid’s careful assessment for the upcoming season.
In that regard, it is said that the forward is entering the final season of a potential return and the dream of donning the royal white of Real Madrid.
In Valdebebas, they closely observe, assess, and analyze all the players nurtured under their guidance. However, it’s still premature to make a definitive decision about Kubo’s future, though his name is clearly a topic of intense consideration.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star could lose ‘untouchable’ status under Mourinho amid midfield competition
Real Madrid kicked off their 2026-27 La Liga season with a late victory over Espanyol, with Jude Bellingham and Carlos Espi on the scoresheet.
All eyes were on Jose Mourinho and how he would set the team up against the Catalan club, to gain an early insight into what his preferred XI looks like.
One interesting selection choice was always going to be the midfield, and Bernardo Silva partnered Federico Valverde in that position last night.
While last night was a fairly straightforward choice with Aurelien Tchouameni recovering from an injury, this could be one of Mourinho’s biggest headaches going forward.
Now, according to Cadena SER, the Frenchman may no longer be guaranteed a place in Real Madrid’s midfield under Jose Mourinho, with the competition for roles intensifying following the arrival of Bernardo.
Tchouameni no longer an automatic starter?
Journalist Tomas Roncero believes Tchouameni could be one of the first players affected by Mourinho’s search for the right midfield formula after the 2-1 victory over Espanyol.
“I think Tchouameni is not going to be as untouchable as he was,” Roncero said.
He argued that the situation has changed because Madrid now possess considerably more competition in that area of the squad.
Roncero believes Bernardo could play a major role in Mourinho’s midfield, particularly when Madrid face opponents who defend deep at the Bernabeu.
He described the Portuguese veteran as Madrid’s most creative option for directing possession from deeper areas.
That has become especially important after Madrid missed out on Rodri, who ultimately joined Barcelona.
“With Rodri not arriving, the only player who can really play that positional football and organise the game is Bernardo Silva,” Roncero explained.
Having spent years at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, it is the least Madrid can ask for from Silva.
Mourinho has a genuine midfield puzzle
Jose Mourinho has also suggested the possibility of Arda Guler developing into a No. 6 in the coming years, but that is unlikely to be a solution in the short term.
The situation, however, does not necessarily mean that Tchouameni will become a peripheral figure at the club.
His defensive qualities remain different from those offered by Bernardo, while Mourinho will require different midfield combinations depending on the opponent.
However, the options are plenty.
Valverde provides intensity and running power, Bernardo offers control and creativity, while Tchouameni and Camavinga add bite to the position.
Tchouameni must now convince Mourinho that his defensive security outweighs what he does not offer creatively.
Ultimately, having too much of something is a better headache than having too little. The onus is now on Mourinho to solve the midfield puzzle.
