Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender’s agent working hard to secure transfer with a comparable contract
Jose Mourinho has enjoyed strong support from the board in the ongoing summer transfer window, and Los Blancos were driven and quick with all their transfers over the past month.
Having already secured most of the signings they had marked in red for the summer, there is not much more for Real Madrid to push for beyond a central midfielder and a central defender.
Even that, however, currently looks complicated given that there is a need for sales before a new arrival. As matters stand, no player is willing to leave the club.
Asencio’s situation explained
Of the players Real Madrid have actively been looking to sell this summer, Raul Asencio stands out as a top candidate. However, there has not been much movement on that front owing to the player’s first stance.
As reported by Defensa Central, Asencio’s agent Jorge Mendes is trying very hard to find a new club for his client.
In fact, the superstar agent is looking for a destination where the youngster can earn similar wages to what he is currently earning, all while having a more important role.
The defender, however, continues to stand firm against a departure and Real Madrid cannot do much on that front. After all, they can only push for a sale if the player opens up to an exit at some point.
Fifth-choice defender
Asencio has had a reasonably important role to play for Real Madrid in recent seasons and even served as a regular starter for long periods. That prominence, however, only arrived as a result of a series of injuries in the team’s defence.
This season, however, is set to be different and the Spanish star will likely find himself fifth and last on the manager’s pecking order for centre-back.
Antonio Rudiger, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao will all be ahead of the academy graduate when fit, leaving a situation where Asencio will barely enjoy any minutes.
Moreover, Mourinho is said to have directly spoken to the defender and conveyed that he is not part of his plans. The ball is currently in Asencio’s court, and it is clear that Real Madrid will not push for a new defensive reinforcement unless an existing name departs.
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.
