Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender wants to stay despite Ancelotti not counting on him – report
Real Madrid have parted ways with four players already this summer, which included two out-of-favour stars in the form of Eden Hazard and Mariano Diaz. And the Spanish capital outfit wish to offload more players that do not belong in manager Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
Alvaro Odriozola is one such star who does not feature in Ancelotti’s scheme of things and is ‘definitely’ headed for the exit doors.
Now, Carrusel Deportivo is reporting that along with Odriozola, Jesus Vallejo is another player that Ancelotti does not count on for the next season and Real Madrid wish to sell him. However, the centre-back is not keen to leave and wants to continue at the club.
Vallejo has been a Real Madrid player since 2015 but has spent most of his time away on temporary spells, having had stints at Real Zaragoza, Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolves, and Granada.
The 26-year-old has been at Real Madrid for the past couple of campaigns but has hardly played under Ancelotti.
The Spaniard finds himself behind Eder Militao, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Nacho Fernandez in the pecking order of things at the Santiago Bernabeu, which means he is only used as a late substitute or in matches where not much is at stake.
Ancelotti is understood to have made it clear to the player that he does not count on him. But, even then, Vallejo does not contemplate the possibility of a departure and wishes to continue as a Real Madrid player, with his contract still having two years left.
It is certainly a tricky situation for Los Blancos, as Vallejo’s departure would generate some sort of income and lighten their wage bill even if not by much. Given that all the departures this summer have been on free transfers, a sale for a fee would be welcome.
But with the defender reluctant to leave, only time will tell whether Real Madrid can convince him to change his mind.
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.
