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 News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
