Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defensive target expected to undergo medical in next few hours
Despite all the buzz around presidential elections, Real Madrid have maintained their operations in the transfer market and look set to complete their first major signing of the summer.
The club are actively in talks with two defenders over a summer move to Santiago Bernabeu, hoping to close both deals before the start of the FIFA World Cup.
The two players in question are Denzel Dumfries of Inter Milan and Ibrahima Konate, who is a free agent after deciding to run down his contract at Liverpool.
Dumfries set to undergo medical
According to Matteo Moretto, the Dumfries deal could happen sooner than expected as the player is expected to arrive in Madrid to complete his medical within the next few hours.
This is a significant development considering that Real Madrid were linked with a move for the Dutchman only a few days back.
It appears Los Blancos are entering the market with a no-nonsense policy and will support new coach Jose Mourinho as much as they can in the transfer market.
Dumfries, for his part, is expected to sign a three-year deal, with many expecting Real Madrid to pay his €25 million release clause.
What will be Dumfries’ role at Real Madrid?
Everything suggests Dumfries will be considered as a first-choice left-back for Los Blancos next season, especially after a poor season from both Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras.
Recent reports even indicate that Mourinho is not impressed by Carreras, with former coach Alvaro Arbeloa not necessarily being a fan either.
Dumfries, therefore, could take up Carreras’ role, though there is no indication that the latter may leave Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
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.
