Real Madrid News
Real Madrid failed with 2025 move for teenage defender who chose Barcelona – report
As is often the case, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona find themselves going up against each other in pursuit of young prospects from within Spain and outside.
The latest case sees the two La Liga behemoths battle it out for Manchester United prodigy JJ Gabriel, with reports suggesting that the Blaugrana might have an edge on their rivals.
There have been several such transfer battles in recent years, involving Pablo Torre, Arda Guler, Endrick, and even Sergio Martinez, who was on the Catalans’ radars before choosing Real Madrid this past summer.
Hafiz Gariba slipped away
Now, SPORT brings forward another such case where Real Madrid and Barcelona were embroiled in a transfer war for a promising young player.
Indeed, according to the report, there was a Clasico battle for the transfer of Hafiz Gariba back in 2025, but the teenage defender chose to sign for Barça over Real Madrid.
Gariba, 19, spotted by the Marcet Foundation after impressing in trials at an academy in the Ghanaian capital, Accra.
Unable to sign for a major club because of bureaucratic issues, he began gaining experience at Codolar, a Fourth Catalan Regional club, the lowest level of football in Catalonia.
Despite the fact that the level of competition may not have offered the most attractive showcase, word soon spread about the existence of a very young centre-back with top-level potential.
And, perhaps surprisingly, scouts from both Barça and Real Madrid went to watch him in person. Both clubs made offers to sign him, but ultimately it was the Catalan club that won the race.
Gariba making steady progress
Having moved to the Barcelona academy in the winter of 2025, the 19-year-old defender has made steady progress, rising through the ranks and becoming a regular for their reserve team, Barça Atletic.
Gariba also started pre-season with the first team under Hansi Flick during the summer and remains on the German’s radar, indicating the potential he possesses.
Real Madrid could have had a promising young defensive prospect in their ranks had they been successful in their pursuit but the teenager chose their rivals.
The Spanish capital club will be hoping that things turn out differently with JJ Gabriel.
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.
