Real Madrid News
Real Madrid considering major move for Manchester City heavyweight in 2026
Real Madrid are already making a lot of moves in the transfer market even before the summer window is officially open for business.
Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been signed by the Spanish giants while Alvaro Carreras is also expected to arrive imminently.
The focus will then shift to the recruitment of a new midfielder, with VfB Stuttgart ace Angelo Stiller seemingly the leading candidate to arrive.
Rodri remains on the agenda
However, AS reports that Real Madrid continue to view Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri as the dream addition to their squad.
As such, the Merengues are considering the idea of making a transitional signing this summer before making a move for the 2024 Ballon d’Or next year.
Rodri’s current contract with Manchester City expires in 2027 and there could be a possibility that he becomes available in 2026 if a renewal agreement is not finalised by then.
And, Real Madrid are staying alert to the situation and keeping that possibility open as they continue to see the UEFA Euro 2024 winner as the ideal addition to their midfield department.
Los Blancos also had their eyes on Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad for a while but he appears to be signing for Arsenal.
Moves for other potential targets like Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez will cost in excess of €100 million – something that the club wish to avoid.
Rodri, too, would cost a similar amount this year, provided Manchester City entertained the idea of a sale. Next summer, though, when he will have only one year left on his contract, the situation could become more favourable for Real Madrid to make a swoop.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
