Real Madrid News
Real Madrid closely monitoring Premier League midfielder’s decision over his future
Real Madrid are looking for a new midfield talisman in June, one who can come in with a sense of responsibility and take charge as the team’s pillar in the department.
The player who most interests them, as matters stand, is Manchester City’s Rodri although Los Blancos are maintaining tabs on the likes of Vitinha and Kees Smit as well.
In view of their interest in Rodri, Real Madrid have maintained an eye on him for a while now and are looking at his fitness and technical quality, especially given how he has dealt with serious injuries in recent times.
Closely following the player
Now, as confirmed by the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano (h/t The Madrid Zone), Los Blancos are very interested in the Manchester City star and have possibly taken his name up another level as the priority target.
They are closely following his situation and hope that their objective of stealing him in the summer can come true. However, they also know that it is not in their control, and they thus await his decision on the same.
Rodri’s current deal with Manchester City runs until June 2027, and he will thus be in the final year of his contract come June. Should the player opt against renewing, Real Madrid can pounce and secure him for a moderate fee.
Should he decide to renew, however, there is not much the men in white can do and they will have to look towards their plan B.
So far this season, Rodri has made 17 appearances in the Premier League and even scored a goal earlier this week in his team’s win over Nottingham Forest.
His performance in the tail end of the season and the World Cup, needless to say, will go a long way in deciding Real Madrid’s decision over his recruitment.
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.
