Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Man City to battle it out for €25 million-rated Ligue 1 defensive gem
The rise of Abdukodir Khusanov has been one of the best stories in Ligue 1 this season.
Hailing from the town of Tashkent in Uzbekistan, the young centre-back has impressed onlookers with his consistent performances at RC Lens.
The 20-year-old’s rapid breakthrough at Lens has led to many considering him as one of the best defensive prodigies in Europe.
However, it appears Lens are facing immense pressure to part ways with Khusanov, mainly due to the stress in their balance sheet.
Real Madrid interested in Khusanov
According to Foot Mercato, Abdukodir Khusanov should have no shortage of suitors either, with multiple top European clubs interested in his services.
One of these clubs are Real Madrid, who are keeping close tabs on the defender’s progress in Ligue 1 and could be tempted to make a move.
Aside from Madrid, Manchester City, too, are interested in the Uzbeki defensive stalwart and have already made contacts surrounding a potential move to the Etihad.
Real Madrid, though, are not likely to back down easily. The reigning European champions, after all, are desperately looking for reinforcements in the defensive unit in light of an ongoing injury crisis.
Lens, for their part, could be willing to part ways with Khusanov for a fee of around €25 million, which could help bag a significant profit, considering they signed the player for just €100,000 in 2023.
Lens’ initial plan was to give Khusanov a chance to perform at the highest stage and sell him for a quick buck, especially given the club’s economic condition.
On the flip side, though, Khusanov is more than happy at Lens and is ready to continue at the club for a few more months.
The future of the Uzbek, therefore, could be one of the great conversations in this ongoing January transfer window.
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.
