Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfield mainstay’s situation could change if Rodri arrives – report
Earlier this summer, Real Madrid secured what looked like a major renewal at the time, when the club extended Aurelien Tchouameni’s contract.
The Frenchman was attracting interest mainly from Premier League club Manchester United, and the renewal effectively shut down those links.
However, now, according to Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri could have major consequences for the 26-year-old Frenchman.
Tchouameni’s role may no longer be guaranteed if the Manchester City star joins the club, with Los Blancos in club-to-club negotiations to sign the Spaniard.
Rodri pursuit could reshape Madrid’s midfield
The Spanish giants are making progress in their efforts to sign Rodri, and the arrival of the World Cup winner would almost certainly lead to the departure of another midfielder.
Real Madrid have already reached an agreement on personal terms with Rodri, while negotiations with Manchester City are ongoing over a transfer fee.
If the deal is completed, it would significantly alter the competition in midfield.
Rodri is viewed as one of the world’s best holding midfielders, and his arrival would strengthen an area where Tchouameni has often operated.
Tchouameni no longer untouchable?
When Madrid extended Tchouameni’s contract, there were no plans to pursue Rodri.
That has now changed.
While a contract renewal usually signals long-term confidence, it does not necessarily guarantee a permanent place in the squad if the club identify what they believe is a transformative signing.
While Rodri’s arrival does not mean Tchouameni should leave, the latter’s minutes could diminish significantly.
A very difficult decision for Madrid
From Real Madrid’s perspective, Rodri’s arrival would improve the squad, but it would also create a difficult balancing act.
The club already boast a midfield packed with elite talent, and adding another undisputed starter would inevitably reduce opportunities for others.
Tchouameni remains highly regarded, is entering the prime years of his career and has consistently shown his value in Madrid’s midfield.
However, sometimes, it is important to know when to cut off an arm to save the body, and a sacrifice might have to be made.
Tchouameni is a player who can generate good transfer value, and if he is on the market, Manchester United may return for him.
The next few weeks could be pivotal in deciding Tchouameni’s future at the club, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
