Real Madrid News
Real Madrid closing in a double signing for La Fabrica – report
Real Madrid are expected to undergo an important summer, with the club looking to shore up their first team by bringing in quality players.
However, the club remain equally keen on shoring up their ranks in the youth academy that has produced a series of young talents in the recent past.
To that end, Real Madrid are currently in active talks to potentially sign two talented youth players from Rayo Vallecano.
Big coup for La Fabrica?
According to AS, Real Madrid are closing in on the signings of Sergio Castellon and Pablo Bellosillo from Rayo Vallecano, with both deals reported to be in their final stages.
Castellon, an 18-year-old left winger with a striker’s instinct, and Bellosillo, a 19-year-old right-back with an attacking mentality, are both considered among the brightest prospects at Rayo’s academy.
Known as Caste and Bello respectively, the pair only strengthened their case for a move to Valdebebas this Sunday, with both getting on the scoresheet for Rayo B against Intercity in the Segunda RFEF.
Castellon, who made his debut for the reserve side just nine days ago after an impressive campaign in the Division de Honor, scored his second goal in as many appearances.
Bellosillo, whose proposed move was first reported by ESPN, was equally influential after coming off the bench to score the decisive third goal of the afternoon.
Should the deals go through as expected, Real Madrid C in the Segunda RFEF would likely be their next destination, providing a natural stepping stone for their development.
The report adds that performance-based bonuses are expected to be included in both transfers, reflecting the strong relationship between the two Madrid clubs at the youth level. Real Madrid have been working on these signings for some time.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
