Real Madrid News
Real Madrid considering calling up 18-year-old defensive prospect for upcoming matches
Dire situations call for bold decisions. Real Madrid find themselves in a similar situation heading into the coming week of football at the right-back position.
Lucas Vazquez was ruled out through injury after Los Blancos’ game against Valencia in the semifinal of the Supercopa de Espana. Dani Carvajal was expected to cover for the Spaniard’s absence, but that plan suffered a blow when he suffered an injury yesterday.
As they say, one man’s loss is another’s gain. According to reports from Jose Luis Sanchez, Los Blancos are evaluating the possibility of Vinicius Tobias starting as the right-back for the team’s next two games against Villarreal and Athletic Club.
The 18-year-old full-back has been one of Castilla’s better players this season. The Merengues signed him on a loan move from Shakhtar Donetsk last year with an option to make his transfer permanent for a fee.
Tobias has yet to make his first-team debut for Los Blancos, but he has been doing well for Raul Gonzalez’s side, racking up three assists in 18 games in the RFEF Primera Division.
Tobias could now be put to the ultimate test on debut as Real Madrid play Villarreal in La Ceramica in the Copa del Rey. The men in white have not won a game at the stadium for years and even lost to the Yellow Submarines when the two sides met earlier this month.
Carvajal is expected to return for the team’s clash against Real Sociedad at the end of the month, giving the youngster two chances to prove his worth.
The question that remains is, will Carlo Ancelotti trust the Brazilian given the team’s vulnerable position, or opt for the safer option of deploying Nacho at right back.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
