Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify 23-year-old Premier League midfielder as January transfer target – report
Real Madrid have identified Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as a potential target for the January transfer window, reports Spanish journalist Miguel Serrano.
The 23-year-old has emerged as an option being monitored by the Spanish giants, although Real Madrid are not the only European club keeping tabs on his situation.
Scott’s contract at Bournemouth currently runs until 2028, and with that agreement entering its final 18 months in January, his contractual position could become increasingly important if he does not agree to an extension.
It is said that the midfielder’s age, versatility and technical profile make him an interesting option if the club feels there is a need to sign a midfielder in January.
Real Madrid have been tracking Scott’s situation
Real Madrid’s interest is understood to date back to their dealings with Bournemouth over Dean Huijsen in 2025.
The journalist states that during those negotiations, the two clubs allegedly reached a verbal understanding that Bournemouth would inform Real Madrid if they eventually decided to sell Scott.
That arrangement could give Madrid an opportunity to stay ahead of other interested clubs should Bournemouth make the midfielder available.
Scott has established himself as an increasingly versatile midfielder since arriving in the Premier League in 2023.
He originally operated primarily as a No. 10 before being moved deeper, where he has developed into a player capable of functioning as either a No. 6 or No. 8.
That tactical evolution has increased his value, particularly for teams looking for a midfielder who can contribute in several phases.
Alex Scott offers technical quality and versatility
Scott is regarded as a technically gifted midfielder with the ability to influence the rhythm of a match.
His passing range allows him to operate in a double pivot, while his movement and ability to carry the ball can help him break defensive lines. That combination has made him an attractive player to clubs across Europe.
He has also developed a distinctive image since his early career, with his long hair, headband and low-worn socks contributing to the nickname “the Grealish of Guernsey”.
Away from the style, it is Scott’s footballing development that has made him a player of interest to major clubs.
The Bournemouth midfielder has made six appearances across all competitions this season, registering one goal and two assists.
All eyes on January window
For Real Madrid, a January move would depend on several factors, including Bournemouth’s willingness to sell and Scott’s contract situation.
The midfielder still has significant time remaining on his current agreement, meaning Real Madrid would need to understand whether Bournemouth are prepared to negotiate or whether they intend to keep him and pursue a renewal.
There is also competition from other European clubs, making the situation one worth monitoring.
For now, the 23-year-old remains a Bournemouth player, and there is no indication that a transfer to Madrid is close.
However, the understanding from Huijsen’s negotiations and his increasingly rounded midfield profile could give Real Madrid reason to maintain their interest.
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”.
