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 forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
