Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify four possible backup targets if Bellingham does not arrive – report
It is no secret at this point that Real Madrid have made Jude Bellingham their top priority for the summer of 2023. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is one of the most sought-after commodities in the transfer market and is set to mark a big bidding war next year.
Indeed, apart from Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are all keen on signing the 19-year-old Englishman. Given the competition for his services and his rising stock, the midfielder could command a huge transfer fee, especially if he has a strong World Cup.
Figures of around €150 million are already being mentioned, although Real Madrid are said to be unwilling to pay over the top for Bellingham.
It could force them to look at other potential options to reinforce their midfield department in the summer. And according to SPORT, Real Madrid have Bellingham as their main target for 2023 but have four more names behind him as possible options.
The four players on the Merengues’ radars as potential backups for Bellingham are Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of Lazio, Enzo Fernandez of SL Benfica and Lovro Majer of Rennes.
Tielemans is a popular target among several clubs in the market as his contract with Leicester expires next year and he has shown no indication of signing a renewal. However, the Foxes want to offer him a two-year deal and if he does not sign it, they may consider a salein January itself.
As for Milinkovic-Savic, the Serbian midfield powerhouse has been eternally linked with Real Madrid in the past three to four years. However, Lazio’s asking price for the 27-year-old meant that a move never materialised. But he remains on Los Blancos’ agenda as a possible option if Bellingham does not join.
Enzo Fernandez was on Real Madrid’s radar before he joined SL Benfica this past summer. The Argentine has made a good start to life in Europe and, at 21, has shown that he can be a top player, although he would command a huge transfer fee, given that he still has five years left on his contract.
Lastly, Lovro Majer is also seen as an option by Real Madrid. Dubbed the ‘next Luka Modric’, the Croatian international has been doing well for Rennes since joining them last year. Linked with Atletico Madrid as well, the 24-year-old recently signed a new contract, committing himself to the club until 2027.
It remains to be seen how Real Madrid go about their transfer business next summer. But as iterated earlier, Bellingham remains the main objective for the Spanish capital club.
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.
