Real Madrid News
Real Madrid leading race to sign La Liga midfielder despite competition from Barcelona and Atletico
According to SPORT, Real Madrid are set to face strong competition from several La Liga clubs, including Barcelona, Valencia, Atletico Madrid, and Villarreal, for the signing of Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza.
As reported before, Real Madrid have had Mendoza on their radar for some time, previously identifying him as a potential reinforcement for Castilla.
Hence, it comes as no surprise that the club is considering a move for the 20-year-old in the summer of 2026.
Perfect Real Madrid player
Mendoza fits perfectly into Real Madrid’s profile of young, technically gifted, homegrown midfielders.
The club sees him as a player who can offer more options for Xabi Alonso in the middle of the park, adding depth and flexibility to an already talented squad.
Real Madrid appear ready to meet the €20 million release clause that could secure Mendoza’s signature next summer.
A promising talent with big potential
Mendoza’s rise has been impressive. With a contract running until 2028 and a termination clause set at €20 million, Elche are keen to protect their young star.
Understandably, his performances have attracted attention from Spanish giants, with Real Madrid and Valencia leading the chase.
Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Villarreal remain interested, but it is Real Madrid who appear most prepared to act decisively.
Interest from abroad
His contributions with the Spanish national team during the ongoing U20 World Cup have also opened doors abroad. Clubs like Paris FC have shown interest, and now several English Premier League teams are reportedly tracking his progress.
For Real Madrid, securing Mendoza would be a statement signing, one that strengthens their midfield while ensuring the club remains ahead of domestic rivals in scouting the brightest young talents.
If he continues to develop at his current pace, the 20-year-old could become one of the most desired midfielders in the market in 2026.
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”.
