Real Madrid News
Real Madrid face stiff Premier League competition for 21-year-old Bundesliga defender
Real Madrid fell short of their transfer plans in the previous summer transfer window with Leny Yoro snubbing them for the Premier League.
As a result, Los Blancos find themselves short-staffed in central defence where only Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao remain as options who are fit and the manager counts on.
Heading into the upcoming transfer windows, Real Madrid thus prioritise signing a new, young defender who can serve in the long haul. Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig is the one who interests them on that front.
Strong competition
Real Madrid and Chelsea have had their eyes on the French pearl for a long time now, especially for how he has established himself as a regular starter in the Bundesliga at just 21 years of age.
Now according to reports from Fichajes, the race to sign Lukeba has only become tougher. Liverpool and Aston Villa have both reportedly entered the dynamics and see the youngster fit in presently to their future plans.
With three teams from the Premier League battling Real Madrid head-on for the 21-year-old’s recruitment, it will not be easy for Los Blancos to secure his signing and they may well have to fork out a fortune.
Lukeba’s current contract with RB Leipzig runs until the summer of 2028, giving the German side complete leverage over his future and any possible transfer fee. As it stands, word has it that they expect at least €60 million for the young star.
It thus remains to be seen if Florentino Perez and Co. are willing to shell out the aforementioned premium for the youngster which may well increase if a bidding war begins. After all, the Merengues have been very cautious to not overspend in recent transfer markets.
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.
