Real Madrid News
Real Madrid inching closer to Argentine striker’s signing on €8 million wages – report
David Alaba’s untimely ACL blow leaves Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti with a tricky situation to tackle in defence. With only Nacho Fernandez and Antonio Rudiger his two available centre-back options, the season will be long for the Italian gaffer.
It is thus astounding to see the board’s stance over the boiling issue. They are ready to battle through the rest of the season with the existing defensive options.
An unexpected transfer
But, if reports are to be believed, Los Blancos could be set for an unexpected signing in the January transfer window.
According to Radio MARCA, sources in Turkey are convinced that Mauro Icardi will sign for Real Madrid in January.
He would be earning a salary of €8 million with added bonuses and would operate as a direct competitor to Joselu for the centre-forward spot.
The move comes across as confusing considering that only recently it was dismissed that Los Blancos held any interest in signing Icardi.
Furthermore, Joselu has enjoyed a great stint with Real Madrid so far, both in terms of numbers and fitness.
Another key question that is to be answered is whether the signing would be on a permanent transfer or on a loan.
After all, Real Madrid are planning to make a massive signing in the summer for the centre-forward department after which Icardi’s role would be virtually nonexistent.
A seasoned name
At 30 years of age, Icardi has played for a long list of clubs across the globe. The Argentine striker most notable stints, however, have been at Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan.
Icardi is a trainee of Barcelona’s famed La Masia and is currently plying his services for Galatasaray in Turkey. In 15 appearances in the Super Lig, he has scored 12 goals and provided five assists for the joint-leaders.
Given that his contract with Galatasaray runs until June 2026 and that he is a vital part of their plans, these reports must be taken with a pinch of salt.
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”.
