Real Madrid News
Real Madrid enter the market for a new defender – report
Real Madrid have some clearly defined priorities for the upcoming summer transfer window, and going purely by the team’s performances and dynamics this season, the midfield appears to be on top of that list.
The central defence, in addition, has long been seen as a weak area in the team, and the decision over a new signing in the department was expected to be made based on the futures of the current mainstays.
As reported by COPE (h/t The Madrid Zone) now, there is finally clarity around the future of players in the department and Real Madrid have come to the conclusion that new recruitment is essential.
Plan for the summer
As relayed by the outlet, David Alaba is set to leave Real Madrid in the summer beyond any doubt and Raul Asencio is no longer in the club’s plans in a sudden turnaround.
Further, Eder Militao is set to be out for five months at least, and given that it is his third surgery in a relatively short period, it is unclear how his situation will progress.
In that sense, the Merengues are now looking at the transfer market for a new defender and they hope to land a big fish in June.
After all, only Antonio Rudiger appears set to renew and continue, and he will be the only player in the department alongside Dean Huijsen at the beginning of next season.
Over the past few months, Real Madrid have been linked with several defensive profiles, including Nico Schlotterbeck, Dayot Upamecano and even Ibrahima Konate.
With targets now slipping away, Los Blancos will be under pressure to identify and lock in on their target at the earliest.
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.
