Real Madrid News
Real Madrid could sign as many as two centre-backs in the summer
One of the highlights of Spanish media over the past few months has been Real Madrid’s centre-back situation and the possible targets they have their sights on to reinforce the same.
After all, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba stare at an uncertain future beyond this season. Eder Militao’s fitness has shown enough fluctuation to label him as an unreliable option while Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio have both been inconsistent.
The club’s need for a high-quality centre-back, thus, is paramount and the board were closely eyeing the situations of Marc Guehi, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate and others.
Perez’s master plan
Now, as relayed by AS in a recent report, Real Madrid have decided to reinforce the central defence in the summer transfer window, as was the plan initially.
Despite the team’s struggles in recent times, no effort will be made to sign a new player in the ongoing winter transfer window. After all, Florentino Perez is firmly against mid-season recruitments.
It is not ruled out that the team could sign one or even two centre-backs in June based on the need felt then.
Until then, however, Alvaro Arbeloa must make do with the resources he currently has at his disposal.
Real Madrid’s decision over how many defenders to sign in June will depend on a plethora of factors, the biggest of which will be the number of existing centre-backs who leave the club.
Alaba, as it stands, is almost certain to leave the club in June. Should Rudiger also leave, however, the club will be under pressure to find two new players in the department.
Other factors that will influence the decision include the team’s budget, the fitness status of existing defenders, and the form of the likes of Asencio and Huijsen.
Young academy talents and their rise could well also play a part, with Joan Martinez, Diego Aguado, and Victor Valdepenas being potential options.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
