Real Madrid News
Real Madrid consider only one midfielder as sellable; want at least €80 million – report
Real Madrid have already completed two key midfield moves this summer, officially confirming Dani Ceballos’ departure and the arrival of Bernardo Silva.
Despite continued speculation surrounding several midfielders, no further changes have taken place in that area of the squad.
According to reported Ramon Alvarez (h/t Defensa Central), only one midfielder could still leave before the transfer window closes: Eduardo Camavinga.
Camavinga: Only midfielder considered for a sale
Interest from Manchester United in Aurelien Tchouameni has reportedly intensified in recent days. However, the report insists that the Frenchman is not available.
Instead, he claims that Camavinga is the only midfielder currently on the market. That does not mean Real Madrid are prepared to accept any offer.
The club have placed a high valuation of €80 million on the French international and will only consider a transfer if a substantial proposal arrives.
Real Madrid seeking a major sale
Although Real Madrid consider their incoming transfer business almost complete, the same cannot be said for departures.
The club are still hoping to complete one significant sale that would strengthen their financial position and potentially allow them to pursue another marquee signing in the future.
At present, Camavinga is viewed as the player most likely to leave. Despite his inconsistent performances, the club have no intention of selling him below what they consider to be his market value.
Mourinho has given the green light
Manager Jose Mourinho is still expected to hold a direct conversation with Camavinga to explain his plans for the coming season.
Nevertheless, the Portuguese tactician has already authorised the club to explore a possible transfer.
The incoming coach currently views Camavinga as the last option in his midfield rotation and is prepared to continue without him if the right offer arrives.
Real Madrid signed Camavinga from Rennes in 2021 for around €31 million. Given that he is still only 23 years old and has significant long-term potential, the club believe they are in a strong position to generate a substantial profit.
For that reason, they are looking for a fee close to €80 million.
Even if an offer matching Real Madrid’s valuation is received, the transfer would still depend on the player’s own decision. However, the French midfielder’s position remains unchanged.
As things stand, that determination makes a transfer far from certain, even if a suitable offer eventually arrives.
Real Madrid’s adventure so far under new coach Jose Mourinho has been far from perfect and this fact shouldn’t be lost even after the team’s brilliant comeback win over AS Roma in midweek.
However, there are areas where Los Blancos have shown a clear improvement under Mourinho, when compared to previous bosses such as Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.
One of those areas has been set plays, with Real Madrid appearing far more potent from set pieces this season.
A clear improvement from last season
As reported by Diario AS, the three goals in Rome, all from Arda Guler corners inside a seven-minute blitz, were the perfect advert for the work being done at Valdebebas.
Those strikes took Real Madrid’s set-piece tally to seven goals in just ten matches this season. Four of them have come in La Liga, one from a corner and three from free kicks, with the trio in Rome completing the haul.
It is a striking figure when set against last season’s return. Under Alonso and Arbeloa, Madrid managed 12 set-piece goals across the entire campaign, all in La Liga, split evenly between six from corners and six from free kicks.
On current trends, this side looks well placed to surpass that number comfortably.
The reason behind Real Madrid’s improvement
Attacking set pieces are led at Valdebebas by Pedro Machado, with the whole coaching staff involved and Mourinho himself giving the final green light on every routine.
Defending them, meanwhile, falls to Sami Khedira, though it is treated as a collective effort. Mourinho’s appreciation of that teamwork was clear when Bellingham headed in a Guler free kick against Espanyol, prompting the manager to leap up and embrace his assistants.
Machado, one of Mourinho’s most trusted lieutenants, has followed him from Fenerbahce to Benfica and now Madrid, part of a backroom team blending experience with young, ambitious talent.
On the pitch, Guler is the undisputed master when available, his left foot the key weapon, with Bernardo Silva, Trent Alexander-Arnold and even Diomande also trusted to initiate attacks.
Such meticulous strategy has helped Real Madrid turn into a potent side from set-pieces this season.
