Real Madrid News
Real Madrid have no doubts over midfield mainstay despite May controversy
Federico Valverde’s difficult end to the season has done little to alter Real Madrid’s plans for one of their most influential players.
In fact, according to MARCA, Real Madrid remain fully convinced about Valverde’s importance within the project despite the events involving Aurelien Tchouameni in May.
The outlet assures that there absolutely no uncertainty regarding the midfielder’s future, with confidence in his professionalism and commitment remaining intact.
The Federico Valverde Real Madrid situation has attracted attention, especially after a disappointing World Cup campaign with Uruguay and the controversy that emerged towards the end of the domestic season.
However, the feeling within the club is that the midfielder’s place in the squad has never been under threat.
Moreover, the expectation is that Valverde will return refreshed, motivated and ready to embrace an even bigger responsibility during the upcoming campaign.
Valverde remains central to Real Madrid plans

Despite enduring a frustrating period both personally and professionally, Valverde remains a key figure in Real Madrid’s long-term plans.
The Uruguayan midfielder is said to be deeply affected by his country’s World Cup struggles, with sources indicating that few things disappoint him more than failing to deliver for Uruguay on football’s biggest stage.
After another demanding season, Valverde is expected to take a well-earned break before returning to pre-season preparations under Jose Mourinho.
The new Real Madrid manager already considers the midfielder an important pillar of his project and is =eager to work with him when preparations begin in mid-July.
Federico Valverde’s future has therefore never been a major topic of concern inside the club, despite the difficult moments experienced during the closing stages of the previous season.
Real Madrid believe the midfielder’s dedication and mentality remain beyond question.
Mourinho counting on Valverde

The incident involving Aurelien Tchouameni was not viewed positively within Real Madrid, regardless of where responsibility ultimately lay.
Both players received sanctions, and the club made it clear publicly that such situations do not align with the standards expected at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, the Valverde-Tchouameni incident has not damaged the club’s trust in the Uruguayan international.
Real Madrid’s hierarchy continue to value his leadership qualities, determination and desire to defend the interests of the team.
So much so that following Dani Carvajal’s departure, Valverde is expected to assume the role of first captain.
The midfielder is likely to hold important conversations upon his return, but there is little indication that these discussions will have any impact on his standing within the squad.
Real Madrid News
Confirmed: Real Madrid starting lineup against Elche – Guler in for Bellingham
Real Madrid will be looking to pick up their fifth win of the 2026/27 La Liga season when they take on Elche CF at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero later tonight.
With 12 points from five games, Los Blancos are currently second in the league table, three points below leaders FC Barcelona.
As such, the Spanish capital club will be eager to get the win and close the gap to the top.
Guler starts, Bellingham rested
Ahead of kickoff, Real Madrid have announced the starting lineup that will take the field against Elche, with Jose Mourinho making some important changes.
For starters, Arda Guler is back in the lineup after appearing as a substitute in the win over Rayo Vallecano.
Interestingly, however, he starts in the attacking midfield role, with Mourinho opting to rest Jude Bellingham, who has started all of Real Madrid’s games so far.
That also means that Yan Diomande retains his place in the team, starting for a second time in a row on the right wing. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. continue in their respective positions in attack.
Another notable change sees Aurelien Tchouameni make his first start of the season after recovering from injury and making two appearances off the bench.
He replaces Bernardo Silva as Federico Valverde’s partner in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella come in as full-backs, while Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen slot in at centre-back in front of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 15, 2026
🆚 @ElcheCF
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