Real Madrid News
Real Madrid could hand ‘number 7’ jersey to €120 million-rated midfielder
Jude Bellingham remains one of the priorities for Real Madrid heading into a reported revolutionary summer transfer window. The Englishman is in close proximity to Los Blancos, who hope to secure his signature at the earliest.
After a series of departures that relieved a great deal of strain from Madrid’s weighty wage bill, allotments are open in abundance, with Bellingham set to fill in the midfield department.
The Borussia Dortmund sensation is currently a highly sought-after asset, given he secured the Player of the Year award in the Bundesliga.
With Real Madrid reportedly set to spend €100-120 million on his signing, El Mundo claims Bellingham would be given the legendary No. 7 jersey at the club with Eden Hazard’s exit leaving the kit free for any potential successors.
Success for players with this number has dried up as the previous owners of the iconic ‘7’ were Hazard and Mariano, who endured their fair share of struggles.
But Real Madrid have a long list of legendary players who have worn the No. 7 jersey. Some of the names that come to mind immediately are Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, Amancio, Emilio Butragueno, and Raymond Kopa.
In such a context, Bellingham will undeniably have big boots to fill as expectations will be mounting.
Nonetheless, the Englishman has shown a history of shining under gruelling circumstances. From making a name for himself at Birmingham City to prevailing in a completely foreign land with Dortmund, he continues to elevate to greater heights.
Given Real Madrid have lacked a successful spell with their recent number 7s, passing the torch to a player that will come for a mammoth fee does make sense.
However, Bellingham is unlikely to be the only superstar signing this summer as links with the likes of Harry Kane and Kai Havertz continue to intensify. If Madrid secure more attacking signings, competition for the iconic shirt number will undeniably rise.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
