Real Madrid News
Real Madrid have transfer-listed three defenders this summer – report
Real Madrid have already sanctioned several departures this summer, with Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard, and Mariano Diaz all leaving the club as free agents.
However, the exits from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer are far from done if a report from Cadena SER is to be believed.
Indeed, according to the report, Real Madrid have put three defenders – Alvaro Odriozola, Ferland Mendy, and Jesus Vallejo all up for sale.
Odriozola saw very little game-time at the Bernabeu last season after spending a year out on loan at Fiorentina. With only one year left on his contract with the Merengues and his future non-existent, it only makes sense for the two parties to go their separate ways this summer.
Odriozola has attracted interest from clubs in Spain such as Real Sociedad and Athletic Club, while Serie A behemoths Juventus are also keen.
As for Mendy, Los Blancos have grown frustrated with his lack of form as well as fitness issues that kept him sidelined for the majority of the 2022/23 campaign.
Furthermore, there are doubts over his attacking capabilities as well. As such, despite signing Fran Garcia, Real Madrid are open to the idea of bringing in another left-back like Alphonso Davies, although a move would depend on them being able to offload Mendy.
Moving on to Vallejo, the centre-back finds himself in a similar situation to Odriozola as in he has hardly been called upon by manager Carlo Ancelotti. After all, he is behind Eder Militao, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Nacho Fernandez in the pecking order at the club.
The Merengues are open to offloading the Spaniard even though they are happy with his attitude and professionalism. However, Vallejo is not looking to leave the club even though he has proposals to leave.
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.
