Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender open to leaving despite feeling ‘well’ at the club
Journalist Santi Aouna has affirmed that although Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy feels well at the club, he is open to leaving in the summer.
Mendy, 27, joined Real Madrid in June 2019 on a six-year contract for a fee potentially rising to €53 million with add-ons. Although he had a decent start to his new life, the Frenchman has slowly lost relevance, and his recent injury did no good for his career either.
At the moment, while Madrid have no particular complaints regarding his performance, they believe there could be a better option available in the market. So if that arrives, the team from the capital city will have to let him leave.
A week back, we reported that the full-back has attracted interest from Premier League sides, namely, Arsenal and Tottenham, but at the moment, there are no official offers on the table.
So as the rumours of Mendy’s exit gather pace, Aouna has confirmed that there is a waiting game going on at Madrid because up until now, there are no offers on the table.
“He is open to leaving Real Madrid. But he also feels well at the club, we must wait on this because there have been no offers and nothing is advanced with any clubs for the moment,” the journalist told Madrid Xtra.
It is rightly anticipated that if Mendy decides to continue, his playing time will hamper next season as the team will have a certain Fran Garcia to pick as well.
On the other hand, David Alaba is someone who can cover the left-back spot too, although the defender prefers to play centrally.
Above all, rumours are rife that Madrid are also exploring the option of signing Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies and if that happens, Mendy will certainly have no place in the team.
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.
