Real Madrid News
Real Madrid in a sticky situation as contract talks with star players drags on
With just five matches remaining until the end of the season, Real Madrid are still yet to announce the renewal of Vinicius Jr., whose contract at Bernabeu expires in a little over one year.
This is not a good omen for Los Blancos, and hints that reports that were pessimistic about Vinicius’ renewal may have some truth to it.
On that note, journalist Romain Molina has offered fresh perspective on Vinicius’ contract saga and how Real Madrid are now in a sticky spot.
Real Madrid sabotaging Vinicius renewal
According to Molina, the core issue is straightforward. Vinicius wants €30 million per season, and Real Madrid are not willing to go beyond €20 million.
With no club in Europe currently capable of matching those wage demands, Vinicius holds a peculiar kind of power in the negotiations.
As time passes and his contract runs down, the transfer fee disappears, making him an even more attractive proposition for potential suitors and giving him even greater leverage.
Molina draws a sharp comparison with past Real Madrid, suggesting the club would previously have picked up the phone and resolved such a situation long ago.
Instead, he accuses the current hierarchy of adopting an ostrich policy – burying their heads and allowing the situation to drift.
The journalist also points to a broader cultural problem at the club, where players are too comfortable, citing previous examples like Bale and Hazard to push for a move, even when their situations become untenable.
The lifestyle, the facilities and the salary make it easy to simply stay put without committing long-term.
Molina adds that president Florentino Perez has set the wrong tone in recent years and that nobody around him appears willing to say so.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar returns from the break in top form after stellar displays with national team
Jude Bellingham has been undisputedly one of the star performers in the UEFA Nations League so far, in this international break.
Bellingham started with a valiant effort in the defeat to Spain, before starring in the 7-0 win over Croatia. Last night, he was on fire once again, helping England secure a 3-0 victory over Czechia.
As club football resumes this weekend, it is fair to say that Bellingham will be one of the most in-form players at Real Madrid.
Bellingham on fire
Bellingham’s spectacular form has continued throughout the international break, with the midfielder registering one goal and four assists in four matches for England.
The standout display came against Croatia, where he produced a goal and three assists in the emphatic 7-0 win.
He made England history with that four-goal contribution, creating five chances and completing four dribbles while boasting a 100 percent pass accuracy.
Against Spain, he was comfortably England’s best player, assisting Anthony Gordon’s opener and leading the attacks.
In the final game against the Czech Republic, it was Harry Kane who stole the show with a brace on his record-equalling 125th cap, but Bellingham once again started as an undisputed figure in Tuchel’s side.
The Englishman has shown no signs of his form being a mirage, having rediscovered his best since being handed a free attacking role.
A key figure for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s resurgence is a hugely positive sign for Real Madrid, who have struggled for consistency this season.
Operating as a number 10 with freedom to roam, the 22-year-old has already scored three goals for the club, making him the second-highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe, while also leading the team for assists.
His current scoring rate of one every 206 minutes is not far off his brilliant debut campaign.
That form has drawn widespread praise, with Roy Keane tipping him to become one of the greatest of all time, while Jermaine Defoe backed him to become England’s next captain.
For Jose Mourinho, having Bellingham firing on all cylinders is a massive boost. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the Englishman’s leadership and quality could prove decisive as Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona.
