Real Madrid News
Real Madrid keeping an eye on UEFA Champions League-winning goalkeeper – report
Thibaut Courtois recently signed a new contract with Real Madrid that sees him at the club for two more years, but his age at this point means that Los Blancos must begin to look for long-term replacements.
Already 33 years of age, Courtois is slowly but surely entering the final years of his career. He has shown no signs of slowing down but it remains the club’s responsibility to stay prepared for the worst.
As relayed by Mundo Deportivo, the Merengues have their eyes on PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma as a possible long-term replacement, especially amidst the rift between the player and his employers.
One hurdle to cross
PSG won the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history last season and Donnarumma had a large part to play in the same role as the starting goalkeeper.
Luis Enrique, however, does not count on him and has asked the player to leave immediately.
Real Madrid thus see it to be a great opportunity to snap up the talented 26-year-old. However, given that he has a year left on his deal with PSG, they prefer waiting a year and pushing to sign him next summer for free.
As it stands, however, Real Madrid’s decision to wait a year appears to be a major hurdle hurdle between the Italian goalkeeper and a move to Spain for the player prioritises regular minutes given the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
It is thus extremely unlikely that he stays in Paris for a whole year without minutes waiting for Real Madrid when he has several clubs interested in an immediate transfer.
As it stands, Manchester United, Chelsea and even Inter Milan have entered the race to sign the PSG star this summer and are direct competitors to Real Madrid. A move for Donnarumma to Spain, thus, looks complicated at the moment.
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.
