Real Madrid News
Real Madrid intensify pursuit of top Galactico target, but PSG also enter race
As reported already, Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise has become Real Madrid’s dream signing this summer.
The French international impressed once again in his opening World Cup appearance, adding to the performances that had already caught the eye during Bayern Munich’s Champions League clashes with Real Madrid.
Although the club had been aware of his talent beforehand, it was his displays in the UCL that convinced many inside the Bernabeu that they were witnessing a player capable of becoming one of the game’s biggest stars, reports AS.
Since then, the admiration has only grown. With every appearance, Olise continues to enhance his reputation, reinforcing the belief within the club that he is the ideal figure to lead the next generation of Galacticos.
Contacts during the election campaign
Real Madrid’s presidential campaign temporarily slowed several operations, but it also reignited the club’s ambition to secure another global superstar.
According to the report, senior figures at the club made initial approaches during the campaign, laying the groundwork for future negotiations.
Those contacts kept hope alive and opened a line of communication around a player viewed by many in football as a genuine Galactico.
While Bayern Munich have remained firm in their stance, Real Madrid’s interest has never faded. If anything, the Merengues have only intensified their pursuit of the former Crystal Palace attacker.
The Bundesliga champions continue to insist that Olise is not for sale, but they are aware that the situation could become more complicated if the player himself decides he wants to move to Spain.
Real Madrid remain committed to trying to sign the player who has arguably made the biggest impact on world football over the past year.
Bayern, as they have done on numerous occasions, continue to resist selling their stars, but they also understand the realities of the market.
Inside Germany, there are suggestions that if Olise eventually pushes for a move, Bayern would be prepared to negotiate and could even seek a fee that surpasses the €222 million Paris Saint-Germain paid for Neymar in 2017.
PSG also interested
PSG are considered Real Madrid’s biggest rivals in the race for the Frenchman. However, the strong relationship between the clubs involved means there is no expectation of a prolonged bidding war.
Should one side gain a decisive advantage, the other is expected to step aside and allow negotiations with Bayern to proceed.
Relations between Real Madrid and Bayern have traditionally been respectful, and those at Valdebebas are keen to maintain that spirit, even in what could become one of the most expensive transfer sagas in football history.
For now, Bayern’s message remains unchanged: Olise is not for sale. But ultimately, the next chapter may depend on the player himself.
After a disappointing defeat to Real Betis, Real Madrid returned to winning ways on Tuesday night, following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan.
It was a tense game for Los Blancos, who had to hold on to their slender advantage in the last stretch of the game and were unable to score more goals after an early flurry that saw them gain a 2-0 advantage.
A worrying trend in front of goal
According to MARCA, Real Madrid lead all of Europe in big chances created with 27, but they also top a far less flattering chart, having squandered 19 of them.
That means Real Madrid are missing seven out of every ten clear opportunities they generate, the worst conversion rate on the continent.
Barcelona follow closely with the same number of chances created but a superior return, having wasted 15.
The issue has become a recurring theme in recent matches. Against Betis, Real Madrid dominated and accumulated three expected goals, including a penalty missed by Kylian Mbappe, yet still contrived to lose.
Against Inter, they again peppered the goal without the necessary precision to kill the game off.
Courtois to the rescue
The victory over Inter owed much to a superb performance from Thibaut Courtois, who produced several crucial saves to preserve the three points.
The two Real Madrid goals bore Mourinho’s trademark, both stemming from high pressing. Mbappe forced an error before finishing off Brahim Diaz’s assist, while Federico Valverde capitalised on hesitation from goalkeeper Josep Martinez.
However, having eased into a 2-0 lead, Real Madrid again passed up chance after chance, allowing Inter back into the contest through Lautaro Martinez’s late goal.
It must be noted Real Madrid had 35.6% possession against Inter ranking among the lowest recorded for the club in the Champions League.
For Mourinho, the ideal is clear: winning by finishing off the chances his side create. If Real Madrid can start converting at a rate befitting their creativity, they will become an even more fearsome proposition.
