Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room expected 26-year-old star to leave for Arsenal in summer – report
Vinicius Jr.’s position at Real Madrid has changed dramatically in a matter of months, with a report from Cadena SER claiming that several of his teammates had expected him to leave for Arsenal during the summer.
The Brazilian ultimately remained at the Santiago Bernabeu, but his poor start to the season has created a new problem.
His performances have drawn criticism from supporters, while his place in Jose Mourinho’s starting XI could now come under serious pressure.
Real Madrid teammates expected Vinicius to leave
Vinicius was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal during the summer, with the Premier League viewing the Brazilian as a potential global face of the competition alongside Erling Haaland.
According to the outlet, that possibility had become so convincing inside the Real Madrid dressing room that several players believed the forward would actually leave the club.
Explaining what it had learned from sources close to the situation, the outlet said:
“Several sources consulted by SER believe this stems from the summer, when many of Vinicius’s teammates in the dressing room saw him at Arsenal.
“His contract renewal was stalling; in England, they wanted to make him the global face of the Premier League, alongside Haaland and Vinicius, and his teammates assumed he would leave in the summer.
“He hasn’t left, but they believe he has mentally. The dressing room loves him, but it’s unlikely he’ll regain the Bernabéu’s affection.”
Mourinho now faces a tough decision
Vinicius’ performance in the derby against Atletico Madrid has intensified the scrutiny.
Mistakes have been met with whistles from the Bernabeu on several occasions already this season, while his overall performances have failed to match the level expected from one of Madrid’s most important attacking players.
That leaves Mourinho with a significant decision after the international break.
The possibility of Yan Diomande taking Vinicius’ place is now being discussed, particularly if the Brazilian’s form does not improve.
“His form on the pitch isn’t improving, the spectre of the bench is looming, and this could well be the big footballing story when the season resumes.
“Whether Mou will keep Vinicius – a key player for Madrid over the last five years – in the starting line-up for much longer, or whether Diomande will take his place,” says the outlet.
For Vinicius, the situation is therefore not just about improving his form, but also about winning over the fans.
He arrived at this season as one of Real Madrid’s established stars, but the combination of his summer transfer uncertainty, poor performances and growing frustration from the Bernabeu has created a very different situation.
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.
