Real Madrid News
Real Madrid looking to fast-track contract renewals of ‘several important players’ – Romano
Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid have made it clear that they mean business this summer. So far in the transfer window, they have moved with real purpose and look set to continue down that path in the coming weeks as well.
At this point in the window, they have already completed a significant part of their arrival operations and are now focusing on the departure front.
A third concurrent priority, however, is the renewal of players whose contracts are nearing their end and Fabrizio Romano provides an update on that front.
Quick developments expected
As reported by the ever-reliable Italian journalist, Real Madrid will renew the contracts of several important players in the team in the coming week, and it is one of their top priorities for the near future.
The names of players with whom talks are being held have not been leaked to the media because the club is working in the shadows and prefers to maintain a low profile.
There are, however, ongoing negotiations with the agents of important players, and it will only come to light either when an agreement is reached or when one is near.
After all, Real Madrid would prefer to settle contract extensions when there is still time remaining rather than waiting until the player is in the final year of his contract.
The Vinicius saga has raised the alarm bells and the club will prefer to err on the side of caution.
The likely candidates
In recent days, word has broken out that Real Madrid and Aurelien Tchouameni have reached an agreement to renew the midfielder’s contract for the long-term. Beyond that, there is news that Vinicius’ renewal is now seen as a priority as well.
Among the other players whose contract runs out in 2027 are Brahim Diaz, Thiago Pitarch, Thibaut Courtois, Cesar Palacios and David Jimenez and it remains to be seen which of the aforementioned players the club prioritises in keeping.
In the summer of 2028, the likes of Rodrygo Goes, Fran Gonzalez and Eder Militao will be out of contract and the club could well look to negotiate renewals with them a year in advance to avoid walking on a tightrope a year later.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
