Real Madrid News
Real Madrid have raised €21 million from youth player sales this summer
While Real Madrid might not have a large number of academy players breaking into the first-team squad, but there is no doubt about the quality of talent coming through La Fabrica.
A recent study by the CIES Football Observatory ranked Real Madrid as the club that has produced the most players currently active in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 20 years.
Indeed, 166 footballers trained at Valdebebas are now competing at the highest level – ahead of FC Barcelona (156) and PSG (111).
€21 million generated through academy sales this summer
In fact, MARCA now reports that Real Madrid have earned €21 million through the sale of six academy products – players who completed their time at La Fabrica and now embark on professional careers aiming for the elite level.
Jacobo Ramon, who made six appearances for the first team last season and scored one goal, is set to join Como in a deal worth €2.5 million plus variables.
Victor Munoz, a winger who featured in four matches, including two in the Club World Cup, joined Osasuna for €5 million.
Meanwhile, striker Alvaro Rodriguez was transferred to Elche for €2.5 million, with Real Madrid keeping 50% of his rights.
Rafel Obrador, after impressing last season on loan at Deportivo La Coruna, was sold to Benfica for €5 million. Another left-back who left is Yusi, as Deportivo Alaves signed him for €3 million.
The latest completed deal is Chema Andres, a technically gifted midfielder highly rated by Xabi Alonso. Although there were options within La Liga, both the club and player opted for a move abroad, joining VfB Stuttgart for €3 million.
As per the report, over the past decade, the sale of 28 homegrown players has brought in €364 million for Real Madrid. This summer, the club continues to grow those numbers, demonstrating the impact of La Fabrica.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
