Real Madrid News
Real Madrid heavyweight will reject €80 million Saudi offer, has signed a renewal
In a major development, MARCA is reporting that Real Madrid veteran Luka Modric will reject a massive €80 million contract offer from Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia in order to stay put at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Modric, 37, sees his current contract with Real Madrid expire on June 30. And while it was reported that a renewal was tied up, recent reports suggested that the Croatian international was considering a move to Saudi Arabia after receiving lucrative offers.
Only earlier today, it was reported that Al-Hilal were offering Modric a contract worth £120 million across two years. Meanwhile, it appears that Al-Ahli were also courting the midfield legend and were prepared to hand him a deal worth €80 million per season.
However, as per the report, Modric has no desire to accept any offers from Saudi Arabia despite them being tempting.
The 37-year-old midfielder dreams of playing at Real Madrid for one more year and wishes to end his career at the club where he has won five UEFA Champions League titles. The former Tottenham Hotspur ace also wants to experience the new Santiago Bernabeu.
As such, Modric is prepared to reject the advances of Saudi Arabia and stay put at Real Madrid, rather than following in the footsteps of his former teammate Karim Benzema, who left the club for Al-Ittihad earlier this month.
In fact, Arancha Rodriguez (via RM4Arab), reports that Modric has already signed his contract renewal with Real Madrid until 2024, ending all speculations about his future and any possible transfer to the Middle East.
With Jude Bellingham arriving imminently, Modric’s role at the Bernabeu could reduce to some extent. Despite that, the Croatian international intends to stay put at Real Madrid for one more year.
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.
