Real Madrid News
Real Madrid looking to immediately hire a sporting director
Real Madrid’s transfer strategy in recent years has taken a steep deviation from their reputation over the years as the club have shifted from a giant-signing machine to one looking for young talents and players at the end of their contracts.
The approach has not totally failed, and the club have got some good players in their ranks for both the short and the long haul.
Where matters have not gone to plan, however, is the overall long-term squad planning, and their failure to do the same sees them in a situation where some departments they hoped would be taken care of are far from as stable as expected.
A new administrator
As relayed by El Larguero (h/t Madrid Xtra) in a recent report, Real Madrid now see merit in the idea of having a dedicated sporting director to help shape their rebuild.
Florentino Perez and Co. see that the planning of the team’s rebuild has gone wrong on many levels and are thus keen on signing a new sporting director.
The idea is for the new administrative position to be filled as early as next season.
While there is no doubt that Real Madrid have a strong core, the midfield situation itself sells the idea of why the club need a dedicated administrator for the sporting project.
Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni are all great players themselves, but no combination has provided the team with the stability, control and creativity that an elite midfield requires.
Further, one can consider how Real Madrid are overloaded with options at left-wing with Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo Goes and even Kylian Mbappe, but the right-wing has no player even worth being labelled a guaranteed starter.
A sporting director, needless to say, would help fine-tune these squad requirements, prioritise the right transfers and negotiate the right contract renewals.
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.
