Real Madrid News
Real Madrid considering two-week extension to include club outcast in Club World Cup
According to AS, Real Madrid are seriously considering extending Jesus Vallejo’s contract for just two more weeks, not because they plan to keep him long-term, but to allow him to finish the Club World Cup with the team.
Vallejo’s current deal runs until June 30, 2025, but with the tournament ending on July 13, the club feels it would be unfair to let him go right in the middle of a major event.
Even though Vallejo is not in the club’s future plans, the Madrid board feels it would be disrespectful to send him off before the tournament ends.
It is a similar situation to veterans like Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez, whose loyalty has also made the club think twice about abrupt exits.
Letting Vallejo leave just days before a possible title celebration doesn’t sit well with the people at the top.
Vallejo might be needed
Ancelotti has made it clear that Vallejo is not part of the current setup. In fact, the coach has openly stated that young talents like Jacobo Ramon are preferred ahead of him.
Back in February, before the Manchester City match, Ancelotti was asked about Vallejo and said:
“Absolutely nothing is happening with Vallejo; he’s fine, training. But his contract is ending… and we prefer to give more opportunities to the youngsters.”
That seemed to be the end of the discussion. Vallejo’s name rarely appears in press conferences or team sheets. But now, things have changed.
Tables have turned
With Real Madrid facing a defender crisis due to injuries, Vallejo suddenly looks like a useful backup again. The team is expected to go into the Club World Cup with just some serious defensive issues.
In such a desperate situation, even a player who is not in the plans could become important.
Vallejo may not be central to Madrid’s future, but his presence could offer some emergency cover. It’s not about strategy, but about decency, loyalty, and recognising someone who has stayed ready without making noise.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
