Real Madrid News
Real Madrid in a four-way battle involving Barcelona for Premier League captain
Real Madrid plan on signing a new centre-back in the summer of 2026, given that they are set to part ways with David Alaba, while question marks linger over Antonio Rudiger’s future as well.
Moreover, with Eder Militao’s constant injury problems, it would not come as a surprise to see the Spanish capital giants go after two new central defenders.
As has become the case in recent years, Real Madrid will once again target the free-agency pool for reinforcements, with Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich already identified as a target.
Real Madrid among top clubs eyeing Guehi
Now, according to Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger, Real Madrid find themselves involved in a four-way battle for Crystal Palace captain and England defender Marc Guehi.
Indeed, apart from Los Merengues, their rivals FC Barcelona, Premier League champions Liverpool, and Bundesliga title-holders Bayern Munich all want the 25-year-old centre-half.
In fact, the report states that Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl intends to hold a direct exchange with Guehi in January, when he enters the final six months of his contract, to convince him over moving to Bavaria.
While Real Madrid hold an interest in Guehi, the Crystal Palace captain, whose contract expires on June 30, 2026, is not seen as a priority target at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Dayot Upamecano, whose deal also runs out at the end of the season, is seen as a key target by the Spanish giants, although Bayern Munich are optimistic about his renewal as well.
So, it remains to be seen how things go as far as Real Madrid and their pursuit of a new centre-back for the summer of 2026 pans out.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
