Real Madrid News
Real Madrid make inquiry for Bayern Munich defender, player wants to play as a CB
Real Madrid have already started their big 2023 summer window clearout, with several players having already left the club in the last two days. Their rollout started with Marco Asensio, eventually leading to Mariano Diaz and Eden Hazard on the same day.
Then the big one came, as Karim Benzema announced his decision to leave the club since his contract is up this summer. The Frenchman is expected to join Al-Ittihad on a €400 million deal, plus privileges.
In the coming days, they could announce departures for Dani Ceballos and Nacho as well, both of whom become free agents this summer.
Evidently, defence is not Madrid’s biggest priority. While they potentially need a new left-back, especially if Ferland Mendy stays, the rest of the backline is pretty much sorted for the next season.
As such, it is surprising to see Georg Holzner’s (h/t MadridXtra) report saying Real Madrid have made an inquiry to sign Benjamin Pavard in the summer. The Frenchman becomes a free agent next year, and could potentially be sold this summer.
While Pavard has largely played as a centre-back for Bayern through his tenure, he no longer wants to continue in that position. He wants confirmation from his next club that he will be deployed as a centre-back.
Before joining Bayern, Pavard almost exclusively played as a centre-back for Stuttgart, but was extensively used on right for the French National Team. He also won the 2018 World Cup as a starter for France in that position.
Real Madrid are not the only club interested in the 27-year-old, though. Barcelona also have the player on their radar for the summer, while Manchester City and Manchester United are also considering a move this summer.
Pavard has scored four goals this summer for Bayern across 30 Bundesliga appearances, while setting up a solitary teammate.
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.
